Best Public Schools in Zip Code 36786

Zip code 36786, encompassing the Uniontown, AL area, is served by a single school, Robert C Hatch High School, which is part of the Perry County district and uniquely spans grades Pre-K through 12 with an enrollment of 402 students.

As the only school in this zip code, Robert C Hatch High School serves as the sole educational option for the community, and its data reveals a challenging environment. The school has a very high economic need, with nearly 88% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, and a chronic absenteeism rate of 28.6%—more than double the state average. While the graduation rate stands at 86.4%, this is below both the district and state averages. The most striking academic finding is the severe disparity between subjects: English proficiency, while below state averages, shows some strength in early grades (e.g., 48.28% in 5th grade), but mathematics proficiency is critically low, with 0% proficiency in 5th, 7th, 8th, and 11th grades. Science performance is highly variable, with 4th grade (48.39%) near the state average but 11th grade at just 2.56%.

For parents, the key takeaway is that this school shows a clear pattern of early success followed by a dramatic decline. Third grade consistently posts the highest scores in both English and math, with 3rd-grade math proficiency (46.88% in 2024-2025) nearly matching the state average. However, as students progress through middle and high school, proficiency drops sharply, culminating in an 11th grade with 0% proficiency in both English and math. This suggests that while foundational instruction in the early grades may be relatively effective, students are not maintaining that progress. The high chronic absenteeism rate is likely a major contributing factor, as is the significant economic disadvantage facing the student body. Parents should be aware that the high school years, despite the school's name, represent the weakest point in the academic pipeline, and targeted support in mathematics and attendance will be critical for student success.