Summary:
Zip code 36863 in Lanett, Alabama, is served by two elementary schools—W O Lance Elementary (grades PK-6) and Huguley Elementary School (grades PK-5)—which together educate roughly 947 students across two different districts: Lanett City and Chambers County.
For parents, the standout choice in this area is clearly Huguley Elementary School, which dramatically outperforms W O Lance Elementary in nearly every academic category. Huguley ranks in the 56th percentile statewide with a 3-star rating, while W O Lance sits near the bottom at the 2nd percentile with a 0-star rating. In 4th grade math, Huguley posts a 50% proficiency rate versus just 14.3% at W O Lance; in 4th grade English, the gap is even wider at 71.2% versus 27.4%. Huguley also exceeds state averages in 4th grade math, English, and science, despite having a majority free/reduced lunch population (52.7%). Meanwhile, W O Lance shows a troubling decline in math proficiency as students advance—from 15.5% in 3rd grade down to just 5.3% in 5th grade—and its state ranking has fallen for three consecutive years. Chronic absenteeism is another stark differentiator: only 2.4% at Huguley versus 12.6% at W O Lance, which likely contributes to the achievement gap.
One structural note for families: W O Lance Elementary is the only school in the zip code serving 6th grade, meaning there is no higher-performing alternative for that grade level. Huguley, despite spending $331 less per student, delivers far better results, suggesting that instructional effectiveness and attendance initiatives matter more than raw spending. For parents prioritizing academic outcomes, Huguley Elementary School is the clear choice, while W O Lance Elementary faces significant challenges that families should investigate further.
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