Summary:
Zip code 36421 is home to just one elementary school, Straughn Elementary School, a public school in the Covington County district serving grades PK through 5 with 569 students.
For parents in this area, Straughn Elementary School is a clear standout. It has earned a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger for three consecutive years and consistently ranks in the top 20% of all Alabama elementary schools. The school's English Language Arts performance is exceptional, with 3rd-grade proficiency at 84% compared to the state average of 65%. Math scores are also strong, with 4th-grade proficiency at 62% versus the state's 42%, and science proficiency at 60% versus the state's 50%. The school outperforms its own district in every subject and grade level, often by 10-15 percentage points. Attendance is a major strength, with a chronic absenteeism rate of just 4.9%—less than half the state average of 12%—and a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 15.8:1 supports individualized attention.
The most notable area for improvement is 5th-grade math, where proficiency dropped to 49% in the most recent year, and was even lower at 33% the prior year—the only subject and grade where the school falls below the state average. This suggests a targeted intervention could help. The school also serves a moderately diverse economic population, with 52% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. While spending data is from 2018-2019 at $7,834 per student, the school's consistent high performance and low absenteeism indicate a positive learning environment. Overall, Straughn Elementary School is a reliable, high-achieving option for families in this zip code, with one clear academic gap worth monitoring.
Thank you for your feedback!