Summary:
The zip code 36530 in Elberta, Alabama, is served by three public schools within the Baldwin County district, offering a complete educational pathway from Pre-K through 12th grade for roughly 2,045 students. This above-average district (4 stars, ranked 33rd of 139 in Alabama) provides a solid foundation, but the individual schools show distinct strengths and challenges that parents should consider.
Elberta Middle School is the clear standout, earning a 5-star rating for two consecutive years and ranking in the 93rd-94th percentile of Alabama middle schools. Its performance is exceptional, particularly in 8th grade science (87.3% proficiency vs. 54.1% statewide) and 7th grade English (84.6% vs. 55.3% statewide). Elberta Elementary School offers remarkable consistency, maintaining a 77-78th percentile ranking over three years, with a standout 5th grade math program (60.2% proficiency, 21 points above the state). In contrast, Elberta High School is the weakest link, showing a concerning downward trend from the 90th to 83rd percentile over two years, despite still performing above state averages.
The data reveals a "middle school boost" phenomenon, with dramatic academic growth between 6th and 7th grade, but this momentum is lost in high school. 11th grade English proficiency drops from 77.5% in 8th grade to just 39.9%, and chronic absenteeism at the high school (16.0%) significantly exceeds both district (11.2%) and state (12.0%) averages. Socioeconomic challenges also increase with grade level, as free/reduced lunch rates rise from 38.4% at the elementary to 46.7% at the high school. While the high school spends $2,115 more per student than the elementary school, it achieves weaker results, suggesting the PK-8 pipeline is strong but the high school fails to fully capitalize on student preparation. For parents, this area offers an excellent elementary and middle school experience, but the high school's declining performance and attendance issues warrant close monitoring.
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