Summary:
Zip code 36350 in Midland City, Alabama, is served by two public schools within the Dale County district, which holds a strong 4-star rating and ranks in the 82nd percentile statewide.
Midland City Elementary School (PK-4, 478 students) is a consistent performer that exceeds state averages in several key areas despite nearly 70% of its students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Its 4th-grade math proficiency (51.8%) and English proficiency (61.5%) both surpass state averages, and chronic absenteeism sits at just 5.6%—less than half the state rate. Dale County High School (9-12, 437 students) tells a more dramatic story: it jumped 82 spots in state ranking in a single year, moving from the 47th to the 69th percentile. The high school also boasts a perfect 100% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 91.5%. However, its 11th-grade math proficiency (19.8%) remains critically low—19 points below the district average—even though English (33.7%) and science (46.2%) scores improved substantially year-over-year.
The most striking pattern is the proficiency cliff between elementary and high school. While 4th graders achieve 51.8% math proficiency, only 19.8% of 11th graders do—a 32-point drop. This may be partly explained by the absence of a local middle school; students in grades 5-8 must attend schools outside the zip code, and that transition often correlates with academic dips. Both schools excel at attendance, with chronic absenteeism well below the state average of 12.0%. The elementary school receives $717 more per student ($9,207 vs. $8,490), which may warrant attention given the high school's need for math intervention. Overall, families in this area benefit from a strong district foundation, excellent attendance culture, and a high school on a clear upward trajectory—though secondary math support remains the key area for improvement.
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