Summary:
Zip code 35504 is home to just one elementary school, Valley Junior High School, a mid-sized PK-8 campus in Jasper, AL, serving 602 students within the Walker County district.
For parents, the standout feature here is a clear split between subjects. The school shines in English and science, with 5th-grade reading hitting 81.63% proficiency and 4th-grade science reaching an impressive 75%—both well above state averages. However, math is a significant concern. Proficiency starts low in 3rd grade (35.29%) and falls off a cliff by 7th grade, where just 4.35% of students meet state standards, a staggering 20-point gap below the state average. This "middle school math cliff" is the single biggest red flag, suggesting a systemic issue with math instruction in the upper grades. The school also shows notable year-over-year volatility, with scores swinging dramatically in both directions, which may point to cohort differences or teaching changes.
On the positive side, chronic absenteeism is a bright spot at just 7.9%, far better than the district (11%) and state (12%) averages, indicating strong student engagement. The school maintains a steady 3-star rating and outperforms its district in English and science, though it lags in math across most grades. With per-student spending around $9,801, resources are moderate, but the school appears to allocate them effectively in literacy and science. If your child struggles with math, this school may require extra support at home or tutoring, especially as they move into middle school grades. Overall, Valley Junior High School offers strong literacy and science programs but faces a critical challenge in mathematics that parents should monitor closely.
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