Best Public Schools in Zip Code 35646

Zip code 35646 in Leighton, Alabama, is served by three schools within the Colbert County district, enrolling a total of 1,029 students across two elementary schools and one combined middle/high school, all of which serve predominantly economically disadvantaged populations.

For parents, the standout choice in this area is clearly Hatton Elementary School, which ranks in the 69th percentile statewide and earns 3 stars—far outperforming its district’s 48th percentile ranking. Despite having the highest poverty rate in the zip code (65.25% free/reduced lunch), Hatton posts exceptional results: 82% of 5th graders are proficient in math and 86% in English, more than double the state averages. Its 3rd grade scores also exceed state benchmarks by 25 points in math and 8 points in English. In contrast, Leighton Elementary School sits in the 33rd percentile with a declining trend, showing particular weakness in 5th grade math (20.9% proficiency vs. 39.1% statewide). Colbert County High School (grades 7-12) shows volatile rankings and a concerning 11th grade English proficiency rate of just 9.62%—less than one-third of the state average—along with a graduation rate slightly below the state norm.

The most striking finding is the achievement cliff between elementary and high school: Hatton’s 5th graders achieve 82% math proficiency, but by 11th grade at Colbert County High, that figure plummets to 18.6%, a 73-point drop. Chronic absenteeism appears to be a correlating factor, with all three schools exceeding the state’s 12% rate—Hatton at 13.3%, but Leighton and the high school at 18.3-18.5%. Hatton also spends the most per student ($13,061) while the high school spends the least ($12,099). The 6th grade transition year shows a notable math dip at both elementary schools, suggesting a critical intervention point. Parents should note that while Hatton demonstrates that high-poverty schools can excel, the district’s middle and high school years present significant academic challenges that warrant close monitoring and advocacy.