Summary:
The Dothan City school district is home to two high schools—Dothan High School (serving grades 10-12) and Dothan City Virtual School (serving grades 7-12)—which together educate about 1,814 students in this Alabama community.
If you're comparing the two, the most striking difference is their strengths. Dothan High School is the larger, traditional option with 1,588 students, and it posts better 11th-grade test scores across the board—16.67% proficiency in Math, 23.18% in Science, and 28.4% in English. However, its state ranking has slipped dramatically, falling from 155th in 2024-2025 to 239th in 2025-2026. Meanwhile, Dothan City Virtual School shines in graduation rates, boasting an impressive 98.1%—well above the state average of 91.5%—and a low chronic absenteeism rate of just 7.6%. Yet its 11th-grade test scores lag far behind, with only 7.25% proficiency in Math and 18.18% in English.
One of the most interesting findings is the Virtual School's middle school success. Its 7th and 8th graders outperform district and state averages in English, with 77.78% of 7th graders proficient—far exceeding the state's 55.25%. This suggests the online format works well for younger students but loses its academic edge by high school, possibly due to credit recovery. Both schools, however, struggle against state averages in nearly every subject, and the district itself holds a 1-star rating (22nd percentile statewide). For parents, the choice comes down to priorities: Dothan High School offers stronger traditional academics, while Dothan City Virtual School excels at graduating students and supporting younger learners, though its high school rigor is a concern.
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