Summary:
The 36265 zip code, encompassing Jacksonville, Alabama, is served by two high schools—Jacksonville High School and Pleasant Valley High School—which together educate roughly 1,149 students in grades 7 through 12, offering families two distinct academic environments within the Jacksonville City and Calhoun County districts.
Jacksonville High School stands out as the academic leader in the area, ranking 57th in the state for 2025-2026 (85th percentile) and earning 4 stars from its district’s 39th-place finish among 139 Alabama districts. Its 11th graders post notably stronger proficiency rates than its younger students—31.9% in math, 44.83% in science, and 49.12% in English—though the school shows a concerning "middle school dip," with 7th grade math proficiency at just 14.17%, well below the state average. By contrast, Pleasant Valley High School, ranked 166th statewide (56th percentile) with a 3-star district rating, excels in its middle grades: its 7th graders achieve 50% math proficiency and 75% English proficiency, dramatically outperforming Jacksonville’s 7th graders in math (50% vs. 14.17%). Pleasant Valley also boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate for 2024-2025, far exceeding Jacksonville’s 90.8%, despite both schools serving similar socioeconomic populations (about 44-45% free/reduced lunch).
Both schools share notable strengths: science proficiency exceeds state averages at every tested grade level, and chronic absenteeism is well below the state’s 12% rate (Jacksonville at 9.1%, Pleasant Valley at 8.1%). Resource allocation is nearly identical, with per-student spending around $10,100-$10,400, though Jacksonville maintains a slightly better student-teacher ratio (15.9:1 vs. 17:1). However, trends diverge sharply—Jacksonville has slipped from 10th to 57th in state rankings over two years, while Pleasant Valley, despite a similar overall decline, shows improvement in 7th grade math and 8th grade science. For parents, the choice hinges on priorities: Jacksonville offers stronger upper-grade academics and a higher overall reputation, while Pleasant Valley delivers exceptional middle-school outcomes, perfect graduation rates, and a more consistent attendance culture.
Thank you for your feedback!