Summary:
There are three elementary schools serving grades PK-6 in Dale County, Alabama, a district ranked in the 82nd percentile statewide with a 4-star rating.
GW Long Elementary School is the clear academic leader, ranking 73rd out of 686 schools (89th percentile) and improving an impressive 95 positions over two years. It outperforms both district and state averages in nearly every subject and grade, including 80.30% math proficiency in 5th grade. Notably, it achieves these results while spending the least per student ($7,786) and serving the lowest percentage of economically disadvantaged students (44.72% free/reduced lunch). Newton Elementary School is a consistent 4-star performer (76th percentile) with strong upper elementary results—79.55% math and 90.91% English proficiency in 5th grade—but shows a dramatic 6th grade decline, with math proficiency dropping from 75% to 29.41% year-over-year. Midland City Elementary School trails with a 3-star rating (57th percentile) and faces the highest poverty rate (69.67%) and largest class sizes (19.9:1), yet it boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism rate (5.6%)—less than half the state average.
Key takeaways for parents: GW Long demonstrates that efficiency and strong outcomes can coexist, while Newton's spending advantage ($10,232 per student) doesn't translate to better results. Midland City's attendance success suggests strong family engagement that could support future academic growth. All three schools outperform state averages in most subjects, and the district's 4-star rating reflects overall quality despite internal disparities. The inverse relationship between poverty rates and performance is evident, but school-level factors like instructional quality and culture appear to matter significantly.
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