Best Public Schools in Zip Code 35125

Pell City, Alabama (zip code 35125) is served by four public schools within the Pell City district, which holds a 4-star rating and ranks in the 73rd percentile statewide, educating roughly 2,542 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in a predominantly lower-income community.

The elementary schools are the clear strength of this district. Iola Roberts Elementary School is the standout performer, ranking in the 83rd percentile and beating state averages in every subject—including a remarkable 72% proficiency in 4th grade science versus a 50% state average—despite having a 73% free/reduced lunch rate. It also boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism in the district at just 4.6%. Eden Elementary School is the most improved, jumping from the 33rd to 65th percentile in one year, with 4th grade math proficiency nearly doubling from 23% to 43%. However, the transition to middle school is jarring. At Duran Junior High School, 7th grade math proficiency plummets to just 19.5% (compared to a 24.5% state average), and all middle school scores fall below state benchmarks. Pell City High School shows a mixed picture: it improved to the 67th percentile and exceeds state averages in science, but its 27% proficiency in both math and English lags behind the state, and its 13.5% chronic absenteeism rate is concerning.

Several patterns stand out. Science is a district-wide strength, while math is a consistent weakness at every level. There is also a clear attendance-performance link: the schools with the lowest absenteeism (Iola Roberts at 4.6% and Eden at 7.1%) are the top performers, while the secondary schools with absenteeism above 12% struggle. Interestingly, the highest-performing school (Iola Roberts) receives the least funding per student ($8,450), while the lowest-performing high school receives the most ($9,837). For parents, this district offers excellent elementary options, but the significant achievement drop in middle school and persistent math struggles at the secondary level are critical factors to consider.