Summary:
Zip code 35148 in Sumiton, Alabama, is served by a single elementary school, Sumiton Elementary School, which enrolls 720 students in grades PK through 4 and operates within the Walker County school district.
For parents, the most important takeaway is that Sumiton Elementary is a solid, improving school that performs well above expectations given its student demographics. The school’s standout strength is science, where 4th-grade proficiency reached 60.17% in the most recent year—a full 10 points above the state average. Math scores are also on the rise, with 3rd-grade proficiency jumping from 46.22% to 50.68% year-over-year, and 4th-grade math improving to 44.07%. The school’s state ranking has climbed from the 57th to the 61st percentile over two years, reflecting consistent progress. Perhaps most impressive is the remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of just 5.5%, which is less than half the district and state averages, even though nearly 63% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. This strong attendance culture likely contributes to the school’s academic success.
However, there are areas that need attention. While 3rd-grade English is strong at 69.86% proficiency, 4th-grade English lags at 55.46%, which is below both the district (62.76%) and state (59.53%) averages. Similarly, 4th-grade math, while improving, still trails the district slightly. This pattern of 3rd-grade outperforming 4th-grade suggests the school excels at building foundational skills but may need additional support as students advance. The student-teacher ratio of 15.3:1 is reasonable, and per-student spending of $8,903 provides context for the resource environment. Overall, Sumiton Elementary is a school that punches above its weight, with exceptional science instruction, improving math scores, and outstanding attendance—making it a strong choice for families in the area, with room to grow in upper-elementary English and math.
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