Jackson Intermediate School

Jackson Intermediate School serves 282 students in grades 3-5 in Jackson, AL, as part of the Clarke County school district, where about 76% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

One of the school's standout strengths is its remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of 7.4%—far better than the state average of 12.0%—which suggests students are engaged and families prioritize attendance. Academically, the school has shown some bright spots, particularly in 5th grade. In 2024-2025, 5th grade math proficiency jumped to 52.5%, exceeding both the district and state averages, and 5th grade English proficiency reached 63.06%, also beating the district average. However, these gains have been inconsistent. The 2025-2026 school year saw a significant drop, with 5th grade math falling to 27.93% and the school's overall ranking slipping to the 26th percentile (1 star). This volatility suggests that while the school can achieve success, it struggles to maintain it year over year.

When compared to Grove Hill Elementary School, the other elementary school in the district serving similar grades and poverty levels, Jackson Intermediate trails in nearly every metric—including 3rd grade math (27.1% vs. 37.29%) and 4th grade English (43.53% vs. 62%). The most critical area of concern is special education, where students consistently rank in the bottom percentile statewide, indicating a systemic issue that needs urgent attention. On a positive note, African American students at Jackson perform relatively well, ranking in the 62nd percentile statewide. While the school's strong attendance and pockets of success are encouraging, the fluctuating test scores and persistent gaps—especially for special education students—highlight the need for more stable, sustainable instructional strategies to ensure all students can thrive.