Best Public Schools in Zip Code 36274

Zip code 36274, serving the Roanoke, Alabama area, is home to four public schools across two districts—Roanoke City and Randolph County—that together educate roughly 1,532 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with a high-poverty population reflected in free/reduced lunch rates above 61%.

For parents, the standout choice academically is Handley High School, which boasts a remarkable 98.1% graduation rate—well above the state average—and ranks in the 63rd percentile statewide, though its ranking has slipped over the past three years. Its 11th graders outperform the state in English proficiency. At the elementary level, Knight Enloe Elementary School shines in 3rd grade English (75.28% proficiency vs. 64.75% state average), but its chronic absenteeism rate of 14.8% is a red flag, especially for young learners. The middle school years present a challenge: Handley Middle School shows a steep "math cliff" from 3rd to 4th grade, and its 8th grade math proficiency (14.89%) is far below the state average. Meanwhile, Rock Mills Junior High School is a paradox—it has the best attendance in the area (just 2.6% chronic absenteeism) and the highest per-student spending ($11,453), yet its overall academic performance is the weakest. However, its 8th grade cohort is exceptional, with 91.67% English proficiency and 75% science proficiency, dramatically outpacing state averages.

Comparing the two districts, Roanoke City schools generally outperform Randolph County’s Rock Mills in most grades, despite spending less per student. English language arts is a relative strength across all schools, while math proficiency lags. Handley High’s 11th grade math scores actually exceed Handley Middle’s 8th grade scores, suggesting either stronger instruction at the high school level or that struggling students may not be reaching 11th grade testing. Overall, parents will find a committed high school with excellent graduation outcomes, but should pay close attention to the middle school transition and attendance patterns at the elementary level.