Summary:
Zip code 36518 in Chatom, Alabama, is home to two schools within the Washington County district, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in a rural setting.
For parents, the standout school in this area is Chatom Elementary School, which serves grades PK-4 and earns a 4-star rating. This school excels in English Language Arts, with 3rd-grade proficiency at 90.2% and 4th-grade at 76.1%, both well above state averages. Its math scores are also solid, with 3rd-grade proficiency at 56.9% and 4th-grade at 56.5%, outperforming the state. In contrast, Washington County High School, which serves grades 5-12, has a 2-star rating and shows a more mixed picture. While its 5th-grade English score is a bright spot at 83.3%, math proficiency is a major concern, dropping from 30.3% in 5th grade to just 2.3% in 7th grade. The high school also struggles with a graduation rate of 88.6%, below both the district and state averages.
A critical issue affecting both schools is chronic absenteeism, with rates around 30%—nearly triple the state average of 12%. This likely contributes to academic challenges, especially at the high school level. Both schools serve a similar economic demographic, with about half of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. Spending per student is higher at the elementary school ($10,954) compared to the high school ($9,113). The district itself ranks in the 32nd percentile statewide, but Chatom Elementary proves that high achievement is possible within this system, ranking in the 79th percentile. Parents should note the stark contrast between the two schools and consider the transition from a high-performing elementary to a struggling high school when planning their child's education path.
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