Summary:
Zip code 35130, covering the Quinton, AL area, is home to just one school: West Jefferson Elementary School, a small PK-5 school with 111 students in the Jefferson County district.
For parents, this school is a standout performer that defies its district's overall ranking. While Jefferson County ranks in the bottom 27% of Alabama districts, West Jefferson Elementary outperforms the district average in every single subject and grade level tested. The school's greatest strength is science, where 4th graders hit a 73.68% proficiency rate—more than double the district average and well above the state's 50.23%. English scores are also impressive, especially by 5th grade, where 84.21% of students are proficient compared to the state average of 69.53%. Math scores start below state averages in 3rd grade but climb to exceed them by 4th and 5th grades, suggesting the school effectively builds skills over time.
The most remarkable story here is the dramatic year-over-year improvement. From 2024-2025 to 2025-2026, the school jumped 189 spots in state rankings, moving from the 41st to the 69th percentile. Fifth-grade English proficiency soared by 40 points (from 43.75% to 84.21%), and 5th-grade math improved by nearly 29 points. This turnaround points to successful instructional changes or interventions. However, parents should note that chronic absenteeism sits at 16.2%—35% higher than the state average—which could be holding back even greater gains. With 65.77% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, this school is achieving above-state-average results in most subjects by 5th grade while serving a high-poverty population, making it a notable example of a small school making a big impact.
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