Summary:
Zip code 36542 is home to a single middle school, Gulf Shores Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and enrolls 591 students in the highly-rated Gulf Shores City district.
As the only middle school in the area, Gulf Shores Middle School is a standout performer on a state level. It has shown a consistent upward trajectory in its state ranking, climbing from the 46th position (90th percentile) in 2023-2024 to the 25th position (94th percentile) in 2025-2026. Academically, the school dramatically outperforms state averages in every subject and grade. For example, 8th-grade math proficiency is 55.94% compared to the state's 26.36%, and 8th-grade science proficiency is an impressive 77.23% versus the state's 54.12%. English proficiency is also a clear strength, with scores hovering around 76-79% across all grades. The school also boasts an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of just 3.6%, compared to the state average of 12.0%, indicating a highly engaged student body.
While the school excels overall, there are a few notable patterns. Science is a particular area of excellence, with the 8th-grade rate significantly outpacing other subjects. However, 7th-grade math appears to be a consistent dip, with proficiency at 54.98% in 2025-2026, suggesting a potential transition point in the curriculum. Math scores also show more year-to-year volatility than English, which remains remarkably stable. It is also worth noting that the school achieves these top-tier results while having a moderate level of economic diversity, with 34% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch. Since this is the district's only middle school, its scores directly reflect the district's high ranking (12th out of 139 in Alabama), making it a clear choice for families seeking a high-performing, well-rounded middle school experience in the Gulf Shores area.
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