Middle Schools in Hale County

Hale County, Alabama is home to two middle schools serving grades 6-8: Hale County Middle School and Greensboro Middle School, both operating under the Hale County district, which currently ranks in the bottom 20% of Alabama districts.

There is a stark achievement gap between these two schools. Hale County Middle School is the clear leader, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 59th percentile statewide, while Greensboro Middle School sits in the bottom quarter with a 1-star rating. In 6th grade math, Hale County's proficiency rate (55%) is more than seven times higher than Greensboro's (7%). Hale County also exceeds the state average in 6th grade English (62% vs. 57%) and comes close in 8th grade English (58% vs. 59%). Greensboro, however, approaches state averages in 8th grade English (52% vs. 59%) and showed a dramatic 18-point improvement in 8th grade science, jumping from 26% to 44% proficiency in one year. Both schools struggle with 7th grade math, with Hale County at 18% and Greensboro at just 4% proficiency—well below the state average of 24%.

Socioeconomic factors appear significant: only 54% of Hale County students qualify for free/reduced lunch versus 90% at Greensboro. Interestingly, Greensboro actually spends more per student ($9,812 vs. $8,124) yet achieves lower outcomes, suggesting funding alone isn't the solution. Chronic absenteeism is nearly identical at both schools (14%), slightly above the state average. Year-over-year scores are volatile at both schools, with swings of 30 points in some subjects, likely reflecting small class sizes and changing student populations. For parents, Hale County Middle School offers stronger academics overall, while Greensboro Middle School shows pockets of promise, particularly in English and science, but faces significant challenges in mathematics.