Best Public Schools in Reform, AL

The city of Reform, Alabama, is served by two schools within the Pickens County school district: Pickens County High School (grades 5-12) and Reform Elementary School (grades PK-4), together enrolling about 439 students in a high-poverty area where roughly 77% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The standout story is the dramatic turnaround at Pickens County High School, which jumped from the 21st percentile to the 65th percentile in state rankings in just one year—a leap of 163 positions. This improvement is reflected across all subjects: 11th-grade math proficiency rose from 2.8% to 19.4%, English from 11.1% to 35.5%, and science from 19.4% to 38.7%, with science now actually exceeding the state average. The school also boasts a 97.4% graduation rate, well above state and district averages. However, a critical red flag exists in 6th-grade math, where proficiency dropped to 0% (from 16.7% the prior year), and chronic absenteeism remains high at 15.7%. In contrast, Reform Elementary School has been a consistent mid-tier performer, with exemplary attendance (5.4% chronic absenteeism) but a troubling pattern: 3rd-graders score near state averages in math and English, while 4th-graders fall dramatically below—particularly in math (18.4% vs. 42.1% state) and science (34.2% vs. 50.2% state).

For parents, the key takeaway is that the high school is on an upward trajectory and deserves attention for its recent gains, though the 6th-grade math collapse and attendance issues need monitoring. The elementary school offers a stable, well-attended environment but struggles with the transition to 4th grade. Notably, the high school spends about $1,700 more per student than the elementary school yet maintains a higher student-teacher ratio (17.4 vs. 15.4), suggesting funds may go toward programs rather than smaller classes. Both schools operate within a district ranked in the bottom quartile statewide, making the high school's 3-star rating and the elementary school's 3rd-grade English strength meaningful achievements worth building on.