Summary:
Zip code 35097 in Locust Fork, Alabama, is served by two schools within the Blount County district, together educating roughly 951 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Locust Fork Elementary is the clear academic standout, ranking in the top 10% of all Alabama elementary schools (57th out of 686) with a 5-star rating. Its 5th grade math proficiency of 84.51% is more than double the state average, and its English proficiency of 88.73% also far exceeds state norms. The school has maintained this elite status for three consecutive years. In contrast, Locust Fork High School is a solid performer showing strong momentum, jumping 76 spots in the state rankings to 78th (79th percentile) and boasting a 96.9% graduation rate. However, the transition to secondary school reveals a dramatic performance cliff: math proficiency plummets from 84.51% in 5th grade to just 21.54% in 7th grade—a 63-point drop that suggests significant challenges in curriculum alignment or instructional continuity between the two campuses.
Both schools share notable strengths, including remarkably low chronic absenteeism (4.0% and 5.3% vs. the 12% state average) and moderate poverty levels, with roughly half of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The high school has shown broad-based improvement across all subjects, with consistent ~13-point gains in 11th grade math, English, and science year-over-year. Interestingly, the high school spends $2,773 more per student than the elementary school yet achieves lower proficiency rates, highlighting the elementary school's exceptional efficiency. The 7th grade math cohort is a specific concern, falling below both district and state averages, while 8th grade science remains a bright spot near state parity. For families, the elementary school is a top-tier choice, while the high school offers promising upward trajectory and strong graduation outcomes.
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