Summary:
Zip code 36421 is home to just one middle school, Straughn Middle School, which serves grades 6-8 in Andalusia, Alabama, with an enrollment of 287 students.
Straughn Middle School is a standout performer, earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the top 5% of all Alabama middle schools for three consecutive years—13th in 2024-25, 18th in 2025-26, and 24th in 2023-24. This is particularly impressive given that its district, Covington County, only ranks in the 65th percentile statewide. The school consistently outperforms both district and state averages by wide margins in every subject. For example, in 2025-26, 8th graders scored 80% proficient in science versus 54% statewide, and 6th graders hit 70% in math compared to 35% statewide. Even with 51% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the school achieves results that rival much more affluent areas, pointing to strong teaching and leadership.
The most notable trend is a dramatic 17.2-point jump in 7th grade math proficiency, from 43.9% to 61.1% in one year, suggesting a successful new instructional strategy. Science is a clear strength, with 8th grade proficiency at 80% (down slightly from 86.5% the prior year). However, 8th grade saw declines across all subjects (math -5.8, science -6.5, English -7.9 points), which may signal a cohort effect worth monitoring as students approach high school. Chronic absenteeism is low at 7.9%, well below the state's 12%, indicating strong student engagement. With a student-teacher ratio of 17.9:1 and per-student spending of $10,337, Straughn Middle School offers a high-quality, supportive learning environment that clearly punches above its weight in rural Alabama.
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