Dunbar Creative Performing Arts, a Mobile, Alabama magnet school serving grades 6–8, ranked #358 statewide in 2023, declining from a peak rank of #31 in 2012 and showing a downward trend over recent years.
Reading proficiency reached 63% in 2022, higher than the state average of 47%, while math proficiency remained below the state average at 28% compared to 30%; science proficiency was approximately equal to the state average at 40–44%.
Enrollment declined from 547 students in 2012 to 333 in 2024, with minority enrollment around 90%, predominantly Black students (281 of 333), and about 70% of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch, indicating socioeconomic challenges.
The school maintained a student–teacher ratio of 18:1 in 2024 with 333 students and 19 teachers, positioning it among the top 20% of Alabama schools for low student–teacher ratios.
Graduation rates dropped to 79% in 2023, below the state average of 88% and district average of 85%, reflecting a decline from previous years where rates were closer to or exceeded state levels.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 338 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 63% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dunbar Creative Performing Arts ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Dunbar Creative Performing Arts's student population of 338 students has declined by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
338 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Dunbar Creative Performing Arts ranks within the top 30% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dunbar Creative Performing Arts is 0.30, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#358 out of 1275 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Showing 2011–2025. View full 30-year historical data
Hispanic
2%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 24-year historical data
Black
83%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
White
10%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Two or more races
3%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 12-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.2%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
5%
Showing 2012–2024. View full 26-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dunbar Creative Performing Arts's ranking?
Dunbar Creative Performing Arts is ranked #358 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Dunbar Creative Performing Arts often compared to?
Dunbar Creative Performing Artsis often viewed alongside schools like Clarkshaw Magnet School, Phillips Preparatory Middle School, Chickasaw City High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Dunbar Creative Performing Arts?
338 students attend Dunbar Creative Performing Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Dunbar Creative Performing Arts students are Black, 10% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dunbar Creative Performing Arts?
Dunbar Creative Performing Arts has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Dunbar Creative Performing Arts offer ?
Dunbar Creative Performing Arts offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dunbar Creative Performing Arts part of?
Dunbar Creative Performing Arts is part of Mobile County School District.
In what neighborhood is Dunbar Creative Performing Arts located?
Dunbar Creative Performing Arts is located in the Central Business District neighborhood of Mobile, AL. There are 2 other public schools located in Central Business District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school is great and has plenty of programs offered
Review Dunbar Creative Performing Arts. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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