Summary:
Zip code 36575 in Semmes, Alabama, is served by two public elementary schools—Allentown Elementary School and Semmes Elementary School—both part of the Mobile County district and both serving grades PK-5.
For parents comparing the two, Semmes Elementary School is the stronger overall performer. It holds a consistent 3-star state rating and ranks in the 52nd-60th percentile statewide, while Allentown Elementary School has slipped from the 57th to the 41st percentile over two years. Semmes leads in English proficiency at every grade level—for example, 69.41% of its 4th graders are proficient versus 54.48% at Allentown—and also posts better 3rd and 4th grade math scores (45.07% vs. 36.72% in 3rd grade). Allentown does have a bright spot in 4th grade science, where 53.73% of students are proficient, beating both the district (45.84%) and state (50.23%) averages. Both schools have similar demographics, with free/reduced lunch rates around 57-59% and student-teacher ratios near 20:1, yet Semmes consistently outperforms Allentown in core subjects, suggesting school-level factors like instruction or leadership are making a difference.
A shared concern is 5th grade math, where both schools fall well below the state average of 39.06%—Allentown sits at 28.57% and Semmes at 30.53%. This points to a systemic challenge in upper-elementary math that could benefit from targeted intervention. On the positive side, both schools beat their district in most English and science measures, and their chronic absenteeism rates (9.7% and 10.6%) are below both district (12.8%) and state (12.0%) averages, indicating strong attendance. Semmes also spends slightly more per student ($8,859 vs. $8,533), which may contribute to its edge. Overall, families in this area have two solid options, with Semmes offering more consistent academic results and Allentown providing a larger school community and notable science strength.
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