Summary:
Zip code 36587 in Wilmer, Alabama, is home to three elementary schools—J E Turner Elementary, Wilmer Elementary School, and Tanner Williams Elementary School—all serving Pre-K through 5th grade within the Mobile County school district.
There is a clear performance divide among these schools. J E Turner Elementary is the standout academic leader, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. Its math proficiency (66.4%) is more than double that of Wilmer Elementary School (31.1%), and it also leads in science (73.8% vs. 56.1%). Tanner Williams Elementary School is a consistent 4-star performer, matching J E Turner in English proficiency (70.6%) and benefiting from the lowest student-teacher ratio (15.5:1) and the lowest poverty rate (48.68% free/reduced lunch). By contrast, Wilmer Elementary School has struggled, earning only 2 stars each year. Its 3rd grade math proficiency (17.2%) is alarmingly low, though it does show some improvement in 5th grade math (44.2%).
Several insights stand out for parents. J E Turner has made a remarkable turnaround, jumping 161 spots in state ranking over two years, proving that strong instruction can overcome socioeconomic challenges (61.44% poverty rate). Interestingly, Wilmer has the lowest chronic absenteeism (8.8%) despite its academic struggles, suggesting attendance isn't the issue. All three schools exceed district and state averages in 4th grade science, a shared strength. However, resource allocation varies: Tanner Williams gets the most per-student funding ($10,125) and smallest classes, while Wilmer, serving the highest-need population (71.56% poverty), has a higher student-teacher ratio (18.6:1). Despite the district ranking in the bottom third of Alabama, two of these three schools perform in the top 25% statewide, showing that individual school excellence is achievable.
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