Best High Schools in Dothan, AL

Dothan, Alabama is served by three high schools—Dothan High School, Rehobeth High School, and Dothan City Virtual School—which together educate roughly 2,600 students across grades 7-12 in two different districts: Dothan City and Houston County.

For parents prioritizing academics, Rehobeth High School is the clear standout. It holds a 4-star rating, ranks in the 84th percentile statewide, and exceeds Alabama’s average proficiency in math (33% vs. 27%), science (41% vs. 36%), and English (52% vs. 34%). It also has the best attendance record, with only 4.9% chronic absenteeism—less than half the state average. However, its graduation rate (89.8%) is actually below the state average and the lowest of the three schools, a surprising twist given its strong test scores. In contrast, Dothan High School serves the largest and most economically diverse student body (61% free/reduced lunch) and posts a solid 94.3% graduation rate, but its test scores trail Rehobeth by 16-23 percentage points in every subject. The Dothan City Virtual School offers a unique alternative: despite ranking in the bottom 20% academically, it boasts the highest graduation rate of all three at 98.1%, suggesting it successfully reaches students who may struggle in traditional settings.

Several insights stand out. First, the Houston County district (home to Rehobeth) ranks in the top 20% of Alabama districts, while Dothan City ranks in the bottom 22%—a gap that shows up clearly in test scores. Second, money doesn’t tell the whole story: Dothan High spends nearly $2,000 more per student than Rehobeth yet achieves lower results, pointing to attendance and poverty as bigger factors. Finally, the virtual school shows a remarkable strength in 7th-grade English (78% proficiency, far above district and state averages), even as its 11th-grade scores lag. For parents, Rehobeth offers the strongest academics and attendance, Dothan High provides a traditional large-school experience with solid graduation outcomes, and the virtual school is a viable option for students needing flexibility, especially those focused on graduating.