Summary:
Zip code 35601 in Decatur, Alabama, is served by three high schools within the Decatur City district, collectively educating roughly 1,221 students in grades 9-12, with a predominantly economically disadvantaged population as reflected in free/reduced lunch rates between 63% and 76%.
Decatur High School is the clear academic leader and the largest school in the area with 915 students. It outperforms the district average in math (22.81% vs. 21.35%) and science (29.82% vs. 26.27%) proficiency, and boasts a strong 93.7% graduation rate alongside an excellent 4.0% chronic absenteeism rate—just one-third of the state average. However, its state ranking has been volatile, jumping from 184th to 107th in 2024-2025, then dropping to 195th in 2025-2026, likely reflecting statewide changes in assessment rigor rather than a true decline. In contrast, Career Academies of Decatur, a career-focused school with 269 students, shows significantly lower academic performance, with just 10.98% math proficiency (less than half of Decatur High's rate) and a 1-star rating. It does offer a lower student-teacher ratio (9.9:1 vs. 13.8:1), suggesting more individualized attention, but this hasn't translated into stronger test scores. The smallest school, Decatur High Developmental, serves 37 students with specialized needs and has the highest poverty rate (75.68%) and a concerning 24.1% chronic absenteeism rate, though its data gaps make current performance difficult to assess.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Decatur High offers the strongest academic foundation and best attendance record, making it the most reliable choice despite its ranking fluctuations. Career Academies may appeal to students seeking hands-on career training, but families should be aware of the substantial achievement gap. The district as a whole lags behind state averages, particularly in math (21.35% vs. 27.21% statewide), so supplemental support may be beneficial regardless of school choice.
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