Summary:
In zip code 35601, there is exactly one middle school, Decatur Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and enrolls 818 students as part of the Decatur City school district.
Decatur Middle School is a large school with a stable state ranking around the 40th percentile over the past three years. The most impressive aspect of the school is its 8th-grade Science performance, with 51.31% of students proficient, which beats the district average of 47.73% and comes close to the state average of 54.12%. Another standout feature is the exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of just 3.3%, compared to 6.0% for the district and 12.0% statewide—a strong sign of student engagement and a positive school climate. However, Mathematics is a clear area of concern, with proficiency rates of 27.62% in 6th grade, 18.9% in 7th grade, and 19.17% in 8th grade, all well below state averages. English scores are mixed, with 6th grade at 41.26% proficiency, while 7th and 8th grades are closer to state averages at 49.6% and 49.06%, respectively.
With 63.57% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the school serves a largely economically disadvantaged population, yet it has maintained consistent performance over time. The student-teacher ratio is 16:1, and per-student spending was $11,092 in the most recent data. For parents, the key takeaway is that Decatur Middle School excels in science and attendance, but math instruction needs significant improvement across all grade levels. The school’s stable ranking despite economic challenges suggests a dedicated staff, and the low absenteeism rate indicates a welcoming environment. Families should consider the strong science program and supportive culture, while also being aware that extra math support may be needed for their child to succeed.
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