Schools in Zip Code 35211

Zip code 35211 in Birmingham, Alabama, is served by 5 schools—4 elementary schools (PK-5) and 1 middle school (grades 4-7)—with a combined enrollment of 1,917 students, all operating in a high-poverty area where free/reduced lunch rates range from 76.76% to 84.47%.

For parents, the standout choice in this area is Oxmoor K5, which ranks highest (535th in the state) and posts the best academic scores across nearly all subjects. Its 3rd grade math proficiency (31.17%) and English proficiency (56.96%) lead the pack, and its chronic absenteeism rate of just 3.7% is dramatically better than the district average of 13.1%. West End Academy is the most improved school, climbing from 665th to 642nd in rankings over three years, with 5th grade math rising from 19.7% to 22.81% and strong attendance (7.4% chronic absenteeism). Hemphill Elementary School presents a mixed picture—its 3rd grade scores are competitive with Oxmoor (32.56% math, 44.44% English), but its chronic absenteeism rate of 24.8% is nearly double the district average, and 5th grade math collapses to just 9.43%. Richard Arrington Elementary is the most concerning, ranking 654th with only 9.3% 5th grade math proficiency and 6.82% 4th grade science proficiency, alongside a 14.9% chronic absenteeism rate.

Across the Birmingham City district, all schools rank in the bottom 14th percentile statewide, and a consistent pattern emerges: 3rd grade is the strongest year, with math proficiency declining sharply by 5th grade in most schools. Legacy Prep Intermediate faces a math crisis, with proficiency dropping from 16% in 4th grade to 0% in 8th grade, while English scores remain relatively stable. Science proficiency is critically low across all schools, ranging from 6.82% to 27.27% versus the state average of 50.23%. Per-student spending varies from $10,378 to $11,144, but higher spending doesn't guarantee better outcomes—Oxmoor spends the most and achieves the best results, while Hemphill spends nearly as much yet struggles with attendance and academic declines. For parents, Oxmoor K5 is the clear top choice, while West End shows promising momentum; the other schools require careful consideration of attendance patterns and subject-specific weaknesses.