South Highlands Middle School ranked in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools in 2023, with its state rank declining from #1007 in 2011 to #1222 in 2023.
Math proficiency was 3%, lower than the state average of 30% in 2023, showing a marked decline from 65% proficiency in 2012; reading proficiency was 19%, lower than the state average of 47%, with a downward trend from 80% in 2012.
Minority enrollment was 99%, with Black (not Hispanic) students comprising the majority at 290 of 383 total students; 78% of students were eligible for free lunch in 2023, reflecting sustained high socioeconomic need.
The school served grades 5–8 with 383 students and a student–teacher ratio of 16:1 as of 2023, following a decline in enrollment from 527 students in 1999.
Science proficiency was recorded at 69%, higher than the state average of 38% in 2022, a notable divergence from other subject areas within this Union County NJ high school.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 382 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: South Highlands Middle School's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Union Springs, AL, encompassing approximately 625.1 square miles. Families typically face a 20-30 minute drive to the school, with the farthest edge of the zone being 18.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Highlands Middle School's student population of 382 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
382 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1955
School Rankings
South Highlands Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Highlands Middle School is 0.35, 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
#1222 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
21%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Black
78%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
1%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)5%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
87%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
Showing 2012–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Highlands Middle School's ranking?
South Highlands Middle School is ranked #1222 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
3% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend South Highlands Middle School?
382 students attend South Highlands Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of South Highlands Middle School students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Highlands Middle School?
South Highlands Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does South Highlands Middle School offer ?
South Highlands Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Highlands Middle School part of?
South Highlands Middle School is part of Bullock County School District.
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