Summary:
Zip code 35582 in Red Bay, Alabama, is served by two public schools within the Franklin County district, together educating roughly 732 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade on a shared campus.
For parents comparing the two schools, Red Bay High School stands out as the stronger overall performer, particularly in 8th grade where proficiency rates dramatically exceed state averages in science (85.7% vs. 54.1%), math (55.6% vs. 26.4%), and English (79.4% vs. 58.5%). The high school also boasts an excellent 95.5% graduation rate, well above both district and state averages. However, this excellence fades by 11th grade, where English proficiency (29.6%) falls below the state average (33.7%), and 7th grade math proficiency (18%) lags significantly. Meanwhile, Red Bay Elementary excels in upper-elementary mathematics, with 5th grade math proficiency at 65.9% versus a 39.1% state average and 6th grade at 59.6% versus 35.2% statewide. The elementary school's English scores hover near state averages, creating a notable subject-area disparity.
Both schools face challenges with chronic absenteeism, with the high school's rate (15.9%) exceeding the state average (12.0%) by nearly four percentage points. Performance volatility is also a concern—between 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, 7th grade math plunged 30 points while 8th grade math surged 28 points, suggesting small cohort sizes heavily influence results. Economically, both schools serve moderate-poverty populations (roughly 39-41% free/reduced lunch), below state averages. Despite these inconsistencies, both schools outperform their district averages in most subjects, positioning them as relative bright spots within Franklin County. The elementary school has slipped from a 4-star to 3-star rating, while the high school maintains 4-star status, making it the more reliable choice for families seeking consistent academic strength.
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