South Dale Middle School ranked #700 in Alabama in 2023, declining from a peak rank of #404 in 2019, indicating weaker overall performance trends among Union County NJ high schools.
Math proficiency declined to 21% in 2023, lower than the Alabama state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 42%, lower than the state average of 47%; science proficiency ranged from 40% to 44%, higher than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment grew slightly from 401 students in 2022 to 426 in 2023, with minority enrollment stable at approximately 49% and 74% of students eligible for free lunch, reflecting socioeconomic challenges typical of this New Jersey high school.
Serving grades 5–8, South Dale Middle School had an enrollment of 410 students and a student–teacher ratio of 20:1 in 2023.
The school was Title I eligible, offered no virtual instruction, and participated fully in the National School Lunch Program without provision modifications.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 410 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class="so-dt-title" id="top-rankings">Top Rankings
South Dale Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
<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
South Dale Middle School's student population of 410 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
410 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Calendar
South Dale 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 Dale Middle School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#700 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
6%
11%
Black
36%
32%
White
51%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
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="school-notes">School Notes- School Mascot: Warriors
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions What is South Dale Middle School's ranking?
South Dale Middle School is ranked #700 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are South Dale Middle School often compared to?
South Dale Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like D A Smith Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 42% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend South Dale Middle School?
410 students attend South Dale Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of South Dale Middle School students are White, 36% of students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Dale Middle School?
South Dale Middle School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does South Dale Middle School offer ?
South Dale Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Dale Middle School part of?
South Dale Middle School is part of Dale County School District.
School ReviewsReview South Dale Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Review South Dale Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Articles
Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.
