Schools in Zip Code 35470

Zip code 35470, serving the Livingston, AL area, contains four schools across two districts—University Charter School and Sumter County—covering grades PK-12 with three elementary schools and one combined middle/high school.

The standout performer is University Charter School Secondary, which ranks in the 68th percentile of Alabama high schools with a 94.5% graduation rate and has improved its ranking three years straight. Its English scores are particularly strong, with 44.9% of 11th graders proficient versus the state's 33.7%. However, math is a weak spot—only 14.29% of 11th graders are proficient in math compared to the state's 27.21%. University Charter School Elementary also performs well, ranking in the 52nd percentile with excellent 3rd grade English (73.68% proficient) and strong science scores. Both charter schools have low chronic absenteeism (7.2% and 8.8%) despite having larger class sizes, including a 31.3:1 student-teacher ratio at the elementary level.

The two Sumter County schools face significant challenges. Livingston Junior High School ranks in the 12th percentile, while York West End Junior High School ranks in the 16th percentile—though York West End has shown remarkable improvement from the 2nd percentile in prior years. Both schools have chronic absenteeism rates above 24%, more than double the state average, and serve high-poverty populations (77-83% free/reduced lunch). The district ranking gap is stark: University Charter School ranks 49th of 139 districts, while Sumter County ranks 133rd. For parents, the charter schools clearly offer stronger academic outcomes, but the Sumter County schools benefit from smaller class sizes and are showing signs of progress, particularly at York West End.