Best Public Schools in Zip Code 36693

Zip code 36693 in Mobile, Alabama, is served by 5 schools—4 elementary schools and 1 middle school—with no high school options in the immediate area, meaning students must travel outside the zip code for secondary education.

For parents exploring this area, Kate Shepard Elementary School stands out as the strongest overall performer, ranking in the 32nd percentile statewide and showing consistent improvement over the past two years—including 4th grade math scores that actually exceed the district average. Olive J Dodge Elementary School is also worth noting for its excellent 5th grade English proficiency (64.17%), which beats the district average, and its strong year-over-year gains in science. The most concerning situation is at Burns Middle School, which ranks in just the 14th percentile statewide and shows critically low math proficiency—7th grade math sits at only 3.92%, a dramatic drop from elementary levels. Covenant Academy of Mobile, operating as its own standalone district, faces similar math challenges with 7th grade proficiency at 0%, though its English scores remain more stable. HL Sonny Callahan School for the Deaf and Blind serves a unique population of just 45 students with an exceptional 5:1 student-teacher ratio and per-student spending of $113,371—more than 13 times other area schools—though its chronic absenteeism rate of 24% is double the state average.

Across all schools in this zip code, English proficiency consistently outpaces math by significant margins, suggesting a systemic strength in literacy but a clear weakness in mathematics instruction. All schools serve predominantly low-income populations, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 72% to 83% at the four traditional schools. The elementary-to-middle school transition appears particularly challenging, as math scores drop sharply when students reach Burns Middle School. Parents should note that Mobile County oversees four of the five schools, while Covenant Academy of Mobile operates independently without district-level support. Despite the challenges, Kate Shepard Elementary demonstrates that improvement is achievable even in high-poverty settings, making it the most promising option for families prioritizing academic growth.