Schools in Zip Code 36271

Zip code 36271 in Ohatchee, Alabama, is served by two schools in the Calhoun County district, together educating roughly 863 students across grades PK-12.

Ohatchee Elementary School (PK-6) is the clear standout in this area, earning a 3-star rating and ranking in the 61st percentile statewide. The school excels in early academics, with 3rd grade math proficiency at 71.93%—dramatically outpacing both the district (50.35%) and state (44.89%)—and 5th grade English at 78.69%, also well above state averages. However, performance erodes as students advance: by 6th grade, math proficiency falls to 29.63%, below the state's 35.22%. Chronic absenteeism sits at a reasonable 10.8%, and the school serves a student body where 53.6% qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Ohatchee High School (7-12) presents a more concerning picture. Its state ranking has plummeted from the 77th percentile (4 stars) in 2023-2024 to just the 42nd percentile (2 stars) in 2025-2026—a dramatic two-year decline. While the graduation rate remains solid at 93.2%, chronic absenteeism is a major red flag at 17.4%, which is 45% higher than the state average and 61% higher than the elementary school. Academic struggles are most pronounced in math: 11th grade proficiency is just 17.54% versus 27.21% statewide, and 8th grade math (20.75%) also trails the state. English performance is comparatively better, with 8th grade at 57.69% near the state's 58.53%.

The most striking pattern is the performance cliff between the two schools. The elementary school builds strong foundations, but those gains fade by middle school—likely due to a combination of rising absenteeism, curriculum misalignment, and the transition between campuses. The high school's rapid ranking decline and stagnant upper-level math scores suggest urgent intervention is needed. Both schools spend below the national average per student, yet the elementary school achieves above-average results, indicating efficient resource use. For parents, this area offers a strong elementary experience but a high school that is currently struggling and warrants close monitoring.