Southern Choctaw Elementary School

Southern Choctaw Elementary School in Gilbertown, AL, is a small, rural school serving 288 students in grades PK through 6 within the Choctaw County school district.

This school is on a clear upward trajectory. After a dip in performance, it has climbed to a 2-star rating and now ranks 410th out of 686 schools statewide, placing it in the 40th percentile. That's a significant improvement from just a few years ago when it sat in the 16th percentile. Perhaps the most dramatic change is in attendance: chronic absenteeism has plummeted from a staggering 36.2% in 2022-2023 to just 10.9% now—a rate that is actually better than both the district (15.7%) and state (12.0%) averages. Academically, the school shines in the early grades, with strong 3rd-grade English (72.73% proficiency) and standout 4th-grade Science (59.38% proficiency, exceeding the state average). However, there is a noticeable dip in math proficiency as students move into 5th and 6th grades, which is an area to watch.

Compared to its only nearby counterpart, Choctaw County Elementary, Southern Choctaw is a clear academic leader. It outperforms the other school in nearly every subject and grade level—for example, 4th-grade math proficiency is 37.5% here versus just 8.51% there, and 4th-grade science is 59.38% versus 12.77%. While the school consistently beats district averages, it still lags behind state averages in most areas, meaning there's room to grow. One interesting note: the school shows particular strength in serving its African American students, who rank in the 69th percentile statewide (3 stars), while its White students rank lower. Overall, this is a school making real, measurable progress, especially in attendance and early-grade academics, and it stands out as a strong option within its local district.