Summary:
Zip code 35016, serving the Arab, Alabama area, is home to three public elementary schools that collectively span Pre-K through 5th grade, split between the Arab City and Marshall County districts.
For parents, the most important takeaway is the stark contrast between the two districts. Arab Elementary School is the standout performer, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the top 5% of Alabama schools. Its students post proficiency rates in English and math that are often double the state average, and its chronic absenteeism rate is just 1.9%. Arab Primary School, also in the top-rated Arab City district, serves Pre-K through 2nd grade and lays a strong foundation with a 3.1% absenteeism rate, well below the 12% state average. In contrast, Brindlee Mountain Elementary School in Marshall County holds a 2-star rating and ranks in the 30th percentile, with test scores consistently below state averages. It also serves a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students (61% free/reduced lunch) compared to Arab Elementary (46%) and Arab Primary (39%).
One surprising finding is that spending does not predict success. Brindlee Mountain spends the most per student at $13,239, yet achieves the lowest academic results, while Arab Elementary spends just $7,777 per student. This suggests district leadership and instructional quality matter more than raw funding. However, Brindlee Mountain does have the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the area at 0.7%, showing strong student attendance despite academic struggles. For parents, this means the Arab City schools clearly offer a higher-performing educational experience, while Brindlee Mountain faces greater challenges but still gets kids to school consistently.
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