Summary:
Zip code 36608 in Mobile, Alabama is home to 2 high schools serving grades 9-12 with a combined enrollment of 2,784 students, offering two very different educational paths for local families.
Baker High School is the clear academic standout in this area, ranking in the top 25% statewide with a 4-star rating and showing remarkable year-over-year improvement—jumping from the 60th to the 78th percentile. The school posted double-digit gains in every subject, with math proficiency at 34.74%, science at 41.97%, and English at 36.79%, all above state averages. Baker also boasts a 93.3% graduation rate, exceeding both the Mobile County district average (85.9%) and the state average (91.5%). With 46% of students economically disadvantaged, Baker is outperforming expectations while serving a relatively stable population.
In contrast, Acceleration Day and Evening Academy, part of MAEF Public Charter Schools, serves a much more challenging population—83% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, nearly double Baker's rate. Despite ranking in the bottom 10% statewide with proficiency rates far below state averages (4.39% in math, 8.77% in science, 12.50% in English), the school posts a remarkable 91.8% graduation rate and the best attendance in the zip code, with only 6.3% chronic absenteeism. Interestingly, Acceleration Academy spends $1,355 more per student than Baker, yet achieves dramatically lower outcomes, highlighting how poverty's impact can outweigh additional funding.
Both schools maintain similar graduation rates despite the massive academic gap, which raises questions about what graduation means at each institution. Baker's students leave with strong academic foundations, while Acceleration Academy provides a second-chance pathway for highly motivated students who arrive with significant deficits. For parents, Baker High School is the clear choice for traditional academic preparation, while Acceleration Academy offers an alternative model for students needing flexibility or a fresh start, though families should be aware of the stark differences in academic outcomes.
Thank you for your feedback!