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 (2026)
- 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: Union Springs area, with a typical drive time of 20-30 minutes, averages 13.5 miles, reaching up to 18.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Highlands Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
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
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
1955
Colors
Blue and Gold
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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Hispanic
21%
12%
Black
78%
31%
White
1%
50%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)5%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
87%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
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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