Summary:
Zip code 35773 is home to a single middle school, Sparkman Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and has a substantial enrollment of 723 students within the Madison County school district.
For parents considering this area, Sparkman Middle School presents a mixed picture. The school is currently ranked 294th out of 443 Alabama middle schools, a notable decline from the previous year. A major concern is the high chronic absenteeism rate of 17.5%, which is significantly above both the district (14.3%) and state (12.0%) averages. Academically, there is a stark divide between subjects. English proficiency is moderate, ranging from roughly 40% to 53% across grades, with 8th grade showing relative strength. However, math proficiency is critically low and declines sharply with each grade level, with only 7.83% of 8th graders proficient in the most recent data. This suggests a systemic challenge in math that requires targeted intervention. The school also serves a high-poverty population, with nearly 60% of students receiving free or reduced lunch, a factor that often correlates with the challenges the school is facing.
There are some bright spots to note. In the 2024-2025 school year, 8th-grade science proficiency was a standout, beating both district and state averages, and 8th-grade English also exceeded the state average. However, these gains were not sustained in the following year, and the overall trajectory is downward across most subjects. The school's ability to achieve above-average results in specific areas demonstrates its potential, but the combination of high absenteeism, declining math scores, and a falling state ranking are significant red flags. Parents should look closely at the school's improvement plans, particularly around math instruction and attendance initiatives, when making decisions.
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