Summary:
Zip code 35765 in Pisgah, Alabama, is served by two schools within the Jackson County district, together educating roughly 771 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in a rural setting.
Pisgah High School stands out as the academic leader despite its alternative school designation. It boasts a strong 94.3% graduation rate, exceeding the state average, and impressively low chronic absenteeism at just 9.0%. The school shines in early-grade English, with 3rd grade proficiency at 81.82% and 4th grade science at 72.73%, both far above state norms. However, its upper-grade math and 11th grade English scores lag behind state averages. In contrast, Rosalie Elementary School presents a more challenging picture. It has a concerning chronic absenteeism rate of 18.6% and has seen its state ranking decline. While it shows pockets of strength—like 7th grade math at 45.45% versus the state's 24.46%—it struggles significantly in math, particularly in 5th grade where only 6.67% of students are proficient compared to the state's 39.06%.
Key differences emerge in resources and outcomes. Rosalie spends more per student ($11,068 vs. $9,613) yet shows weaker overall performance, raising questions about resource allocation. Pisgah High, despite serving a broader grade range and having a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students, achieves better attendance and academic results in several areas. English language arts is a relative strength for both schools, but math proficiency is inconsistent, with dramatic year-over-year swings likely due to small class sizes. For parents, this area offers a choice between a high-performing alternative school with strong graduation rates and early literacy, and an elementary school with dedicated teachers but clear challenges in math and attendance that may require additional support.
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