Summary:
The 35208 zip code area of Birmingham, Alabama is home to 4 schools - 3 elementary schools and 1 middle school. While the schools in this area face significant challenges, one school stands out as a bright spot: Princeton School, a public magnet elementary school that consistently outperforms its peers.
Princeton School is ranked 45th out of 680 Alabama elementary schools and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school boasts exceptional test scores, with 72-96% of students proficient or better in math and English, far exceeding the Birmingham City and Alabama state averages. In contrast, the other schools in the 35208 zip code struggle, with test scores well below the district and state levels. For example, at Bush Hills STEAM Academy, only 1.67% of 8th graders were proficient in math, compared to 7.1% for Birmingham City and 24.53% for the state.
The high chronic absenteeism rate of 14.8% across all 4 schools is a significant concern, likely contributing to the overall low academic performance. Additionally, the schools serve predominantly economically disadvantaged student populations, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 51% at Princeton School to over 80% at the other schools. While per-student spending varies widely, from $11,240 at Central Park Elementary to $19,712 at Bush Hills STEAM Academy, it is unclear if the higher spending is translating to better outcomes. Overall, the data highlights the stark disparities in educational quality and resources within this small geographic area, with Princeton School standing out as a beacon of success.
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