Ira F Simmons Middle School vs. Berry Middle School

Ira F Simmons Middle School ranked #169 in Alabama in 2023, improving from #215 in 2021 but declining from a peak rank of #68 in 2015, reflecting overall fluctuations in state ranking over the past decade.

Math proficiency was 51% in 2023, higher than the state average of 30%, though this marks a decline from 73% in 2017; reading proficiency was 65%, higher than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency was 58%, higher than the state average of 38%.

Enrollment increased from 811 students in 2017 to 865 in 2023, while free and reduced–price lunch eligibility rose from about 28% in 2017 to 46% in 2023, indicating growing socioeconomic needs; minority enrollment remains approximately 48%.

Serving grades 6–8, the school had 865 students and 63 teachers in 2023, with a student–teacher ratio of 14:1, ranking among the lowest ratios in Alabama middle schools.

The school maintained graduation rates consistently above the state average, achieving 95% in 2023 compared to the state's 88%.

Berry Middle School ranked #138 in Alabama in 2023, showing a decline from its peak ranking of #57 in 2016, but consistently staying within the top 20% statewide since 2016.

Math proficiency was 48% in 2023, higher than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 74%, higher than the state average of 47%; science proficiency reached 69%, higher than the state average of 38%.

Enrollment held steady around 1,111 students in 2023 with a minority enrollment of 44%, while eligibility for free lunch rose to 29%, indicating increasing socioeconomic need.

The school served grades 6–8 with a student–teacher ratio of 15:1 and average class size of 25, ranking among the lowest ratios statewide for middle schools.

Graduation rates consistently exceeded the Alabama state average, reaching 95% in 2023 compared to the state's 88%.