Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 35580

Zip code 35580, encompassing the Parrish, Alabama area, is served by a single elementary school, Parrish ElementaryMiddle School, which educates students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade within the Walker County district.

For parents considering this school, the most striking feature is its exceptional student attendance. With a chronic absenteeism rate of just 1.8%, the school dramatically outperforms both its district (11.0%) and the state (12.0%), indicating a highly engaged student body despite 61.5% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Academically, the school shows clear strengths in the early grades, particularly in mathematics. For instance, 3rd grade math proficiency stands at 57.58% and 5th grade at 54.55%, both significantly outpacing state averages. English Language Arts is also a relative strength, with 4th grade proficiency at 70.37% and 5th grade at 72.73%, both above state levels. The school has earned a 3-star rating for the 2025-2026 school year, recovering from a dip to the 53rd percentile in 2024-2025 to the 61st percentile currently.

However, the data reveals a significant challenge: a dramatic decline in math proficiency in the upper grades. While early grades excel, 7th grade math proficiency plummets to just 4.35% and 8th grade to 13.04%, representing a stark contrast to the school's early-grade success. This "middle school cliff" is more severe than the state trend and suggests potential difficulties with curriculum transitions. Similarly, 7th grade English proficiency dropped sharply year-over-year, though this may reflect the volatility of small class sizes (roughly 29 students per grade). With per-student spending of $15,603, the school invests heavily in its students, yet the inconsistent performance between elementary and middle school levels raises questions about resource allocation. Overall, Parrish ElementaryMiddle School is a school of contrasts—boasting outstanding attendance and strong early academic foundations while struggling to maintain mathematical competency as students advance.