Summary:
Zip code 36832 in Auburn, AL, is served by three schools within the highly-ranked Auburn City district (ranked #14 in the state), which together form a complete K-6 pipeline: Richland Elementary School (K-2), Creekside Elementary School (3-5), and Drake Middle School (6th grade only), with no high school in the immediate area.
For parents, the standout is Drake Middle School, which earns a 5-star rating and ranks in the 94th percentile statewide—the highest in this group. Its 6th-grade English proficiency (75%) and math proficiency (59.7%) both significantly exceed state averages, and it achieves this while spending the least per student ($8,511). Creekside Elementary School is the consistent performer, maintaining 5-star ratings with exceptional 3rd-grade math scores (81.4% proficient, 12 points above the district) and the best attendance in the group (3.9% chronic absenteeism). Richland Elementary School serves the critical early years with the highest economic diversity (37.6% free/reduced lunch) but lacks recent ranking data, making its current standing harder to assess.
Key takeaways: All three schools beat district and state averages for attendance, with chronic absenteeism ranging from 3.9% to 6.4% versus a 12% state average. However, math proficiency declines steadily as students advance—from 81.4% in 3rd grade down to 59.7% in 6th grade—while English proficiency remains strong (75-86%) throughout. Creekside also shows volatility, with 3rd-grade math jumping 14 points year-over-year while 5th-grade math dropped 12 points. The spending paradox is notable: Drake spends 37% less per student than Creekside yet achieves higher rankings, possibly due to economies of scale at its larger enrollment (720 students). Overall, this zip code offers a strong, well-attended educational foundation, though parents should be aware of the math proficiency slide and the transition to out-of-area high schools after 6th grade.
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