Summary:
Zip code 36374, serving the Skipperville, Alabama area, is home to just one elementary school: GW Long Elementary School, which serves grades PK through 6 with an enrollment of 492 students.
GW Long Elementary School is a standout performer within the Dale County school district, which itself ranks in the top 20% of Alabama districts. The school has shown remarkable improvement, jumping 95 positions in state rankings over two years—from the 75th percentile in 2023-2024 to the 89th percentile in 2025-2026—while maintaining a consistent 4-star rating. Academically, the school outperforms both district and state averages in every subject and grade level tested. Its greatest strength is English proficiency, with rates ranging from 70-88% across grades, beating state averages by 13-23 percentage points. Mathematics is also a clear area of excellence, particularly in 5th grade, where 80.30% of students are proficient—more than double the state average of 39.06%. Every grade level improved in math from the previous year, with 4th and 5th grades showing dramatic gains of over 12 and 15 points respectively.
Beyond test scores, the school demonstrates a healthy learning environment. Despite 44.72% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, the chronic absenteeism rate is just 6.7%—roughly half the state average of 12.0%—suggesting strong family engagement and a positive school culture. The student-to-teacher ratio is 16.8:1, and per-student spending is $7,786. The consistent "5th grade phenomenon"—where 5th graders post the highest proficiency rates in both math and English across two consecutive years—points to an especially effective teaching team or curriculum at that level. With its rapid ascent in state rankings and across-the-board academic strength, GW Long Elementary School is positioned to potentially break into Alabama's top 50 schools and earn a 5-star rating in the near future.
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