Best Public Schools in Zip Code 36853

Zip code 36853 in Dadeville, Alabama, is served by two schools within the Tallapoosa County district, together educating roughly 1,105 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with no standalone middle school in the area.

For parents, the most striking story here is the contrast between the two schools. Dadeville High School serves grades 6 through 12, meaning 6th graders share a campus with 12th graders. This arrangement appears to create a difficult transition, as 6th grade math proficiency (20%) and English proficiency (38.67%) fall far below state averages. However, the school shows an interesting anomaly: 7th and 8th grade math actually exceed state averages, while 8th grade science lags by a massive 33 points. The bigger concern is the upper grades—11th grade math proficiency sits at just 8.33% versus the state's 27.21%, and English is similarly weak at 18.75%. The school has held a 1-star rating for three consecutive years, and its graduation rate (89.3%) trails both the district and state. Meanwhile, Dadeville Elementary School is the clear bright spot. It ranks in the 51st percentile statewide (3 stars) and has improved dramatically, jumping 49 positions in two years. Third grade math proficiency (55.41%) beats the state by over 10 points, and the school has posted strong year-over-year gains in 3rd and 4th grade math and 4th grade science.

The data reveals a stark proficiency cliff between the two schools: 3rd grade math at the elementary is 55.41% proficient, but by 11th grade at the high school, it collapses to 8.33%—a 47-point drop. Chronic absenteeism is a critical issue at the elementary level (18.5% versus the state's 12.0%), which is especially concerning given the school's otherwise positive trajectory. Both schools serve predominantly low-income populations (roughly 68-69% free/reduced lunch) and spend about $10,200-$10,350 per student. The elementary school is clearly on an upward path, but the high school's persistent 1-star rating and dramatic declines in upper-grade performance suggest systemic challenges that need targeted intervention, particularly in 11th grade math and English.