Summary:
Zip code 35983 is home to a single school, Sand Rock High School, a sizable Pre-K through 12th grade institution in the Cherokee County district, serving 783 students with nearly 47% eligible for free or reduced lunch.
Despite being classified as an "Alternative" school, Sand Rock High School shows a fascinating split in academic performance. The school is a clear standout in English Language Arts, with 5th graders hitting a 78.95% proficiency rate—nearly 10 points above the state average—and 11th graders also outperforming both district and state averages. Early science is another strength, with 4th graders exceeding state proficiency in recent years. However, mathematics is a significant weakness, particularly in middle school. Only 17.86% of 7th graders and 16% of 8th graders were proficient in math, well below state averages. The school also struggles in 3rd-grade math (24.07% vs. 44.89% state), though 6th grade is the lone bright spot where it beats the state average.
Parents should note the school's strong 95.4% graduation rate, which exceeds the state average, but also its concerning 17.5% chronic absenteeism rate—higher than the state's 12.0%. Year-over-year data shows volatility, including a dramatic swing in 8th-grade science from 18.75% to 56% proficiency, and a sharp decline in 11th-grade math. While the school often lags the state in math, it frequently outperforms its own district, positioning it as a relative bright spot within Cherokee County. The core takeaway: this school excels in reading and early science but needs targeted intervention in middle school mathematics to ensure students are prepared for high school and beyond.
Thank you for your feedback!