Chickasaw Middle School

Chickasaw Middle School serves 143 students in grades 7-8 within the Chickasaw City district, a small, close-knit community where about 91% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch—a figure that reflects significant economic challenges but also a school where teachers know their students well, with a favorable 13.6:1 student-teacher ratio.

Academically, the school faces real hurdles, particularly in math. In 2025-2026, only about 2-3% of students scored proficient in math, compared to roughly 25% statewide. English Language Arts is stronger, with about 37% of 7th graders meeting proficiency, though still below the state's 55%. Science stands out as a relative bright spot, with 19% proficiency—a notable improvement from the prior year and more in line with peer schools serving similar populations. The school's overall state ranking has slipped to the 7th percentile, but this context matters: nearby Booker T Washington Middle School (92% poverty) shows similar math scores, while Calloway Smith Middle School (90% poverty) achieves 14-20% math proficiency—proof that high poverty doesn't have to mean low results, and that Chickasaw has room to grow by studying what works there.

One of the most encouraging trends is attendance. Chronic absenteeism has dropped dramatically from 29% to 13.8% over three years—a sign that school leaders are making headway on getting kids in the door, which often precedes academic gains. Still, the school's rate is nearly three times its own district average, and per-student spending ($7,489) lags far behind similar schools like Mobile County Training Middle School ($16,619). For parents, the takeaway is this: Chickasaw is a school with dedicated staff, improving attendance, and a science program to build on—but families should expect to advocate for extra math support and stay engaged on attendance to help their child succeed.