Summary:
Baldwin County is home to 8 high schools serving grades 9-12 (with the virtual school spanning grades 7-12), ranging from small alternative options to large traditional campuses, and the district overall ranks in the 76th percentile statewide with a 4-star rating.
For parents, the standout performers are clear: Fairhope High School leads the district with a 5-star state ranking (10th out of 380 schools) and the highest proficiency rates across all subjects—nearly double the state average in math and English. Spanish Fort High School is a close second, boasting the district's best graduation rate (96.6%) and lowest chronic absenteeism (7.3%), while Daphne High School rounds out the top tier with a 95th percentile ranking. These three eastern shore schools consistently outperform the rest of the district, with math proficiency rates averaging 52% compared to just 23% for the three lowest-performing schools (Foley High School, Robertsdale High School, and Baldwin County High School).
The most urgent concern is Baldwin County High School, which has plummeted from 61st to 226th in state rankings over two years and now has the lowest proficiency rates in the district across all subjects. Foley High School also struggles with the highest chronic absenteeism (21.5%) and free/reduced lunch rate (59.5%). Meanwhile, Baldwin County Virtual School presents a paradox: it ranks in the 92nd percentile with near-zero absenteeism, yet only 74.7% of students graduate—the lowest in the district. Notably, per-student spending doesn't predict success; Elberta High School spends the most ($11,501 per student) but performs mid-pack, while Fairhope spends the least ($8,721) and achieves the best results. English proficiency is a district strength, averaging 14 points above the state, but math and science gaps remain significant challenges for several schools.
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