Summary:
Zip code 35645, encompassing the Killen, AL area, is served by a single high school, Brooks High School, which educates students in grades 7 through 12 as part of the Lauderdale County school district.
Brooks High School presents a mixed picture for parents. The school is a clear standout in its middle grades, with 7th and 8th-grade proficiency rates in math, science, and English significantly outpacing both district and state averages. For instance, 8th-grade science proficiency hit 68.75%, compared to 54.12% statewide. Science is a consistent strength across all grade levels. However, this academic excellence does not fully carry into the upper grades. While 11th-grade English and science scores remain above state averages, 11th-grade math proficiency (23.64%) falls below the state norm. The school's overall state ranking also took a notable dip, falling from the 82nd percentile (4 stars) in 2024-2025 to the 67th percentile (3 stars) in 2025-2026.
The most critical concern for parents is chronic absenteeism. At 24.9%, the rate is more than double the state average of 12.0% and is likely a major factor in the school's ranking decline and the drop in performance from middle to high school. The graduation rate of 92.2% is solid but trails the district's impressive 96.0%. With an enrollment of 729 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17.7, the school offers a mid-sized environment. While the middle grades are exceptionally strong, the combination of high absenteeism and a declining state ranking suggests that student engagement and support in the upper grades are areas needing attention. Addressing absenteeism will be key to reversing the recent downward trend and ensuring all students reach their full potential.
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