High Schools in Pike County

Pike County High School and Goshen High School are the two high schools serving grades 7-12 in the Pike County school district in rural Alabama, with a combined enrollment of 840 students.

For parents comparing the two schools, Goshen High School is the stronger overall performer. It ranks higher statewide (194th vs. 255th), boasts a significantly better graduation rate (91.2% vs. 84.8%), and outperforms Pike County High School in most subjects, including 11th grade math (23.4% vs. 18.2% proficiency) and 11th grade English (20.6% vs. 17.2%). Goshen also has a lower chronic absenteeism rate (20.1% vs. 24.2%) and a more favorable student-teacher ratio (14.2:1 vs. 16.6:1), despite spending slightly less per student. However, Pike County High School has notable bright spots, particularly its exceptional 7th grade English proficiency (61.2%, well above the state average of 55.3%) and strong 8th grade science scores (39.3%). Its larger enrollment of 484 students may also offer more diverse program offerings.

Both schools face significant challenges tied to high poverty levels—77.5% of Pike County High students and 61.0% of Goshen students qualify for free/reduced lunch. Chronic absenteeism runs at roughly double the state rate, and 7th grade math proficiency is alarmingly low at both schools (2.0% at Pike County High and 10.7% at Goshen, versus the 24.5% state average). Year-to-year test scores fluctuate dramatically, suggesting instability in instruction or small cohort sizes. Science is a relative strength for both schools, with scores closer to state averages than in math or English. The district overall ranks in the bottom half of Alabama districts with a 2-star rating, indicating that while Goshen shows what is possible with effective support systems, both schools need targeted interventions to address foundational skill gaps and absenteeism.