Summary:
Zip code 36553 in McIntosh, Alabama, is served by two public schools within the Washington County district: McIntosh Elementary School (PK-5) and McIntosh High School (6-12), together educating roughly 409 students in this rural community where over 73% of families qualify for free or reduced lunch.
The two schools present starkly different pictures. McIntosh Elementary School is a bright spot, having climbed from the 4th to the 35th percentile statewide in just two years. Its 3rd grade ELA proficiency (69.7%) actually beats the state average, and 4th grade science also edges out the state. However, math remains a challenge, with 3rd and 5th grade proficiency hovering 15-18 points below state norms. In contrast, McIntosh High School has been stuck in the bottom 7% of Alabama schools for three straight years. The academic collapse is most visible in middle school: 7th and 8th grade math proficiency is literally 0%, and 7th grade ELA sits at just 4%. Even 11th grade math proficiency is a catastrophic 3.85%. Despite these scores, the high school maintains a 90.9% graduation rate, nearly matching the state average—a paradox that suggests grading may not reflect true mastery.
Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide crisis, with both campuses reporting ~36% of students missing significant school days—triple the state average of 12%. This likely fuels the learning gaps. Interestingly, the high school spends $2,627 more per student ($12,207 vs. $9,580) yet achieves far worse outcomes, indicating funds aren't translating into instructional gains. For parents, the takeaway is clear: early elementary education shows promise, but the transition to the 6-12 campus marks a dramatic decline. Families should investigate the middle school experience closely, advocate for math intervention, and address attendance barriers to help students succeed.
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