Schools in Zip Code 35961

Zip code 35961 in Collinsville, Alabama, is served by a single school, Collinsville High School, a PK-12 institution within the DeKalb County district that educates 906 students in a high-poverty rural area.

For parents, the most striking aspect of Collinsville High School is the contrast between its impressive graduation and attendance metrics and its low academic proficiency. The school boasts a 95.9% graduation rate, exceeding both the district (95.6%) and state (91.5%) averages, and a remarkably low chronic absenteeism rate of 6.8%—nearly half the district rate. However, proficiency rates in math, English, and science are significantly below state averages at nearly every grade level. For instance, only 3.51% of 8th graders are proficient in math compared to 26.36% statewide, and 11th-grade English proficiency sits at 10.61% versus 33.73% statewide. The school's relative strength is in English, which consistently outperforms math, with 6th grade being the standout year (49.21% English proficiency). Despite spending a substantial $16,213 per student, academic outcomes remain low, and year-over-year data shows no consistent improvement trend, with some grades improving and others declining sharply.

Despite the academic challenges, the school's low chronic absenteeism is a genuine success story, suggesting strong student engagement and effective family outreach. The "Alternative" classification is misleading, as the school functions as a comprehensive community school. The declining performance in upper grades—math proficiency drops from 23.44% in 6th grade to 3.51% in 8th grade—is a concerning pattern. Ultimately, parents should weigh the school's excellent graduation and attendance record against its significant academic achievement gaps when making decisions.