Summary:
Zip code 35769, serving the Scottsboro, AL area, is home to two schools within the Scottsboro City district: Scottsboro High School (grades 9-12) and Thurston T Nelson Primary School (grades PK-K).
Scottsboro High School is the clear academic standout, consistently earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the top 25% of Alabama high schools for three straight years. Its performance is on a strong upward trajectory, jumping to the 88th percentile (rank 47 out of 380) in 2025-2026. The school significantly outperforms state averages in all core subjects, with 38.75% proficiency in math (vs. 27.21% statewide), 48.75% in science (vs. 36.17%), and 43.04% in English (vs. 33.73%). It also boasts a strong 93.9% graduation rate and a low 10.4% chronic absenteeism rate, both better than state averages. In contrast, Thurston T Nelson Primary School was a historical standout, earning a 5-star rating and 93rd percentile rank in 2017-2018, but no recent ranking data is available to confirm its current standing.
There is a notable contrast between the two schools in resources and attendance. Thurston T Nelson Primary School has a lower student-teacher ratio (13.6 vs. 16.5) and higher per-student spending ($12,787 vs. $10,057) than the high school, suggesting more individualized attention. However, it also has a significantly higher chronic absenteeism rate (16.5% vs. 10.4%), which is unusual for early grades and could be a concern for future academic success. Both schools serve a similar demographic, with about 42.5% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. While the high school is thriving, the primary school's high absenteeism and lack of recent performance data are key points for parents to investigate further.
Thank you for your feedback!