Marion County Alternative School in Hamilton, a Union County NJ high school equivalent in Alabama, closed in 2023 after ranking declined from #237 in 2021 to #315 in 2022 at the state level.
The school served grades 5–12 with a small enrollment of 15 students in 2023 and did not have teachers reported that year, reflecting operational challenges before closure.
Reading proficiency was 50%, higher than the state average of 47%, while math proficiency declined from 50% in 2021 to no reported data in 2023, with prior rates approximately equal to or higher than the state average.
Free lunch eligibility rose to 60% in 2023, indicating increased socioeconomic need; enrollment fluctuated notably, doubling from 7 students in 2022 to 15 before closing.
The student body was predominantly male (73%) and majority White (73%), with small representation of Black and American Indian students; the student–teacher ratio ceased to be reported as the school closed.
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class="so-dt-title" id="top-rankings">Top Rankings
Marion County Alternative School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="overview">School Overview <Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="school-rankings">School Rankings
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 5-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
15 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers (19-20)
2 teachers
School Calendar
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)<50%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
17:1
American Indian
7%
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
n/a
11%
Black
13%
32%
White
73%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(14-15)<50%
89%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% AL state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Marion County Alternative School?
The graduation rate of Marion County Alternative School is 50%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 89%.
How many students attend Marion County Alternative School?
15 students attend Marion County Alternative School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Marion County Alternative School students are White, 13% of students are Black, 7% of students are American Indian, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What grades does Marion County Alternative School offer ?
Marion County Alternative School offers enrollment in grades 5-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Marion County Alternative School part of?
Marion County Alternative School is part of Marion County School District.
Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Articles
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.
