Summary:
Zip code 35406 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is home to just one middle school, Northridge Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and enrolls 775 students within the Tuscaloosa City school district.
Northridge Middle School is a standout performer, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 84th percentile statewide (73rd out of 443 schools) for the 2025-2026 school year. This marks three consecutive years of 4-star ratings, with its percentile improving from 80th to 84th. The school significantly outperforms its district in every subject and grade level tested. For example, in 2025-2026, 7th grade math proficiency was 40.1% compared to the district's 23.9%, and 8th grade English proficiency reached 70% versus the district's 55.7%. English Language Arts is a clear strength, with all grade levels exceeding state averages by at least 10 percentage points. Science is also a hidden gem, with 62.2% of 8th graders proficient, well above the state's 54.1%. While math proficiency declines as students advance (from 50.2% in 6th grade to 36.5% in 8th grade), the school still posts scores roughly 13-16 points higher than district averages in the upper grades.
With 39.1% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, the school serves a moderately economically diverse population yet achieves excellent results. The student-teacher ratio is a reasonable 15.8:1, and per-student spending is $9,554. Chronic absenteeism sits at 11.4%, slightly above the district's 11.1% but below the state's 12.0%. Notably, there is a disconnect between the district's modest 2-star rating (46th percentile) and Northridge's excellent 4-star rating, suggesting this school is a standout within the Tuscaloosa City system. A particularly encouraging trend is the dramatic year-over-year improvement in 6th grade math, which jumped from 38.5% to 50.2% proficiency, indicating effective interventions or a strong incoming cohort. Overall, Northridge Middle School is a high-quality educational option that consistently exceeds both district and state benchmarks.
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