Best Public Schools in Zip Code 35007

Zip code 35007 in Alabaster, AL, is served by four schools within the Alabaster City district, which ranks in the 86th percentile statewide, and together these schools educate over 5,300 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district is a high performer, with every school exceeding state averages in core subjects, and it offers a clear feeder pattern from Meadow View Elementary School (PK-3) to Thompson Intermediate School (4-5), then to Thompson Middle School (6-8), and finally to Thompson High School (9-12).

For parents, the standout is Thompson Middle School, a 5-star school ranked in the 90th percentile of Alabama middle schools, showing exceptional growth and leading the district in 8th-grade science proficiency (77%, nearly 23 points above the state). Thompson High School is also strong, ranking in the 86th percentile with a 98.2% graduation rate, well above the state average. The elementary schools provide a solid foundation: Meadow View Elementary School posts 3rd-grade math scores nearly 17 points above the state and has the lowest chronic absenteeism (6.2%), while Thompson Intermediate School achieves strong English scores (up to 78% proficiency) despite having the highest free/reduced lunch rate (57.5%).

The most notable finding is a significant performance drop between middle and high school: 8th-grade English proficiency of 77% falls to just 38% by 11th grade, and chronic absenteeism doubles to 12.3% at the high school. This occurs even though Thompson High School spends over $2,600 more per student than the intermediate school, raising questions about resource allocation and student engagement at the secondary level. Overall, this district excels in early education and middle school, with a clear upward trajectory in state rankings, but targeted interventions are needed to maintain that momentum through high school.