Summary:
Zip code 35126, serving the Pinson, Alabama area, is home to two public elementary schools within the Jefferson County school district, which together form a unique PK-5 feeder pattern. Pinson Elementary School serves grades PK-2 with a larger enrollment of 753 students, while Kermit Johnson School serves grades 3-5 with 646 students. Both schools face significant socioeconomic challenges, with 58.7% of Pinson students and 69.81% of Kermit Johnson students eligible for free/reduced lunch.
Academically, neither school is a standout performer, but Kermit Johnson School has one clear bright spot: its 4th-grade Science proficiency rate (38.25% in 2025-2026) consistently exceeds the district average, making it the only subject where the school outperforms its district. However, math proficiency is a major concern, with rates ranging from just 18.8% to 23.04% across grades 3-5, well below state averages. English performance is better, particularly in 5th grade (56.63% proficiency), but still lags the state. The data suggests students enter Kermit Johnson already behind, as 3rd-grade math proficiency is only 21.05%, indicating foundational skills may not be fully developed at Pinson Elementary School.
Attendance and spending tell an interesting story. Pinson Elementary School has a chronic absenteeism rate of 15.0%, significantly higher than the state average of 12.0%, while Kermit Johnson School boasts a much lower rate of 9.2%. This contrast is notable since both schools serve the same community, suggesting younger students may struggle more with attendance. Additionally, Pinson spends considerably more per student ($9,752) compared to Kermit Johnson ($8,240), yet this higher spending does not translate to better attendance outcomes. With student-teacher ratios of 16.5 and 17.4 respectively, parents should be aware that while the district holds a 1-star rating, Kermit Johnson's science program and lower absenteeism offer some positives, though overall academic performance remains a challenge.
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