Summary:
Middle Schools in zip code 35446 consist of a single school, Sipsey Valley Middle School, which serves grades 5 through 8 within the Tuscaloosa County school district.
Sipsey Valley Middle School is a school on a clear upward trajectory. Its state ranking has improved dramatically over the past three years, jumping from the 47th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 67th percentile in 2025-2026, a rise of 88 places. The school's greatest academic strengths are in English and Science. In 8th grade, science proficiency is an impressive 63.57%, far exceeding both the district (43.3%) and state (54.12%) averages. English proficiency is also strong, with the school outperforming both district and state averages in 5th, 6th, and 8th grades. However, there are areas of concern. Math proficiency, while better than the district average, falls slightly below the state average in 5th and 6th grades. Additionally, 7th-grade English is the only subject and grade combination where the school falls below both benchmarks, with a proficiency rate of 46.77%.
Beyond test scores, there are a few important factors for parents to consider. The chronic absenteeism rate is 14.7%, which is higher than both the district (11.8%) and state (12.0%) averages, presenting a potential challenge despite the improving academics. The student-teacher ratio is 20.3, which is relatively high and may affect individualized attention. About 46% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. The most recent per-student spending data is from 2018-2019, showing $10,233 per student, which is outdated and makes it difficult to assess current financial efficiency. Overall, this is a school showing strong signs of improvement, with notable achievements in science and English, but with specific areas in math and attendance that warrant attention.
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