Best High Schools in Zip Code 36526

Zip code 36526, encompassing Daphne, AL, is home to two high schools within the Baldwin County school district: Daphne High School, a large traditional public school serving grades 9-12, and Baldwin County Virtual School, a smaller online institution serving grades 7-12.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that these two schools offer vastly different experiences. Daphne High School is an academic powerhouse, consistently earning a 5-star rating and ranking in the top 5% of Alabama high schools. Its 11th-grade proficiency rates are nearly double the state average in math (48.5% vs. 27.2%) and English (59.5% vs. 33.7%), making it a top-tier choice for college-bound students. However, it struggles with chronic absenteeism at 15.3%, well above the state average, and its graduation rate of 88.7% falls slightly below the state's 91.5%. In contrast, Baldwin County Virtual School excels at student engagement, with an incredibly low chronic absenteeism rate of just 1.1%, suggesting its online model keeps students logging in consistently. Yet, its academic performance is more volatile, and its graduation rate is significantly lower at 74.7%, indicating that while students attend, they may lack the structure needed to complete their degree.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to priorities. Daphne High School offers a proven, high-achieving traditional environment with strong test scores, but parents should be aware of its attendance challenges. Baldwin County Virtual School provides flexibility and remarkable engagement, but its inconsistent test scores and lower graduation rate are concerns. Both schools outperform the state in 11th-grade subjects, and the district itself holds a 4-star rating, so families in this area have solid options depending on whether they value academic rigor or a non-traditional, flexible learning environment.