Schools in Heflin, AL

The city of Heflin, Alabama, is served by the four schools of the Cleburne County district, which together educate roughly 1,395 students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The district overall earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the 78th percentile statewide, with Cleburne County High School being the largest school (555 students) and Pleasant Grove Elementary School the smallest (206 students).

For parents, the standout performer is Cleburne County Middle School, which ranks in the 86th percentile statewide—a major jump from the 63rd percentile the prior year—and boasts an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of just 3.4% compared to the 12% state average. Meanwhile, Pleasant Grove Elementary School has made a remarkable turnaround, climbing from the 35th to the 75th percentile in just two years, and now leads the district in 4th grade math and science proficiency (both at 70.37%). Cleburne County Elementary School shows strength in early literacy, with 3rd graders hitting 85% English proficiency, but has been more volatile in its overall ranking. The high school posts a strong 96.3% graduation rate and solid 8th grade scores, yet struggles with 11th grade math (23.85% proficiency) and a 15.5% chronic absenteeism rate—the highest in the district.

Key takeaways for families include a district-wide strength in early elementary English, with both elementary schools far exceeding state averages in 3rd grade. However, math proficiency declines sharply as students advance, from roughly 50-66% in 3rd grade down to just 23.85% by 11th grade. The two elementary schools have complementary strengths—Cleburne County Elementary excels in literacy while Pleasant Grove shines in 4th grade math and science—suggesting opportunities for shared best practices. Finally, the district achieves above-average results despite spending less per student than the state average, with the middle school being particularly efficient at $8,654 per student while earning the district's highest ranking.