Summary:
Zip code 36262 is home to a single school, Fruithurst Elementary School, a small PK-6 school in Fruithurst, Alabama, serving 226 students within the Cleburne County district.
For parents, this school is a standout performer that has shown remarkable growth. Fruithurst Elementary has climbed from a state rank of 193rd to 84th in just two years, now placing it in the 88th percentile of Alabama schools. The school's greatest strength is mathematics, where proficiency rates are 27 to 45 percentage points above the state average across all grade levels. For example, 5th grade math proficiency is an exceptional 84.38%, compared to the state average of 39.06%. English scores are also strong, with 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades all exceeding state averages by 15 to 27 points. The school also boasts a very low chronic absenteeism rate of 5.1%, less than half the state average, and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.6:1, which supports individualized attention.
While the school serves a majority low-income population (52.65% free/reduced lunch), it achieves results that far exceed expectations. The one area of concern is 4th grade English, where proficiency (55%) falls below the district average (67.06%) — a gap that appears to be a persistent challenge for this particular cohort of students. Additionally, the 5th grade class stands out as exceptionally strong in both math and English, suggesting either a particularly gifted group or highly effective instruction at that level. Overall, Fruithurst Elementary is a rapidly improving, high-achieving school with strong attendance and efficient resource use, making it an excellent option for families in the area.
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