Summary:
Zip code 35653, serving the Russellville, Alabama area, is home to 5 schools spanning pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across the Russellville City and Franklin County districts, with a total enrollment of roughly 3,200 students.
For parents, the standout school in this area is clearly Russellville Middle School, which earns a 4-star rating and outperforms state averages in nearly every subject, particularly in 6th grade math (55.56% proficient vs. 35.22% statewide) and English across all grades. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the area at just 7.1%. Russellville Elementary School builds a strong foundation, with exceptional 3rd grade math (58.62% proficient) and 4th grade science (71.98% proficient, 22 points above the state), though scores dip by 5th grade. Russellville High School boasts a remarkable 99% graduation rate, but its English proficiency is alarmingly low at 18.82%—nearly 15 points below the state average—despite receiving the highest per-student funding ($11,416). Belgreen High School, an alternative school serving PK-12, shows wildly inconsistent results, with 5th grade math 17 points above the state but 3rd grade math 22 points below, and a graduation rate of 84.8% that trails the state's 91.5%.
The most striking pattern is the "middle school peak"—academic performance relative to state averages rises through elementary and middle school, then collapses at the high school level, especially in English. This suggests a significant transition challenge between 8th and 9th grades. On the positive side, all five schools have chronic absenteeism below the state average of 12%, indicating strong family engagement despite moderate poverty levels (roughly 58% free/reduced lunch). The West Elementary School has the lowest poverty rate at 52.62%. While the district's 3-star ratings reflect solid overall performance, the high school's English scores and the erosion of elementary gains by 5th grade are clear areas needing targeted intervention.
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