Summary:
Zip code 35444 in Brookwood, Alabama, is home to 2 schools serving approximately 1,707 students in grades PK-12 within the Tuscaloosa County school district.
Brookwood Elementary School is the clear academic standout in this area, significantly outperforming district averages despite serving a student body where nearly 56% qualify for free or reduced lunch. The school posts remarkable results in 5th grade math (52.81% proficiency, a 23-point advantage over the district) and 4th grade science (59.29% proficiency, well above both district and state averages). It also shows strong year-over-year improvement in these subjects. In contrast, Brookwood High School lags considerably, with 11th grade math proficiency at just 19.67% and English at 26.38%—both below state averages. However, the high school is on an upward trajectory, improving its state ranking from 268th to 197th in two years and boasting a 93.3% graduation rate that exceeds both district and state figures.
The most striking finding is the dramatic performance cliff between elementary and high school, with proficiency rates dropping 60-63% across subjects. This suggests a cumulative learning gap or transition challenge that families should be aware of. Additionally, chronic absenteeism at the high school (17.3%) is 44% higher than the district rate, likely contributing to lower achievement. Despite these challenges, both schools operate efficiently, spending under $10,000 per student. The elementary school's success despite higher poverty rates and larger class sizes demonstrates effective instructional strategies, while the high school's improving math scores and strong graduation rate indicate recent reforms are gaining traction. For parents, this area offers a strong elementary foundation but requires vigilance and support through the middle and high school years.
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