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: 383 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- 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%)
- 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 Highlands Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
<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 Highlands Middle School's student population of 383 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
383 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Year Founded
1955
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 0.37, 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
#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
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
23%
11%
Black
76%
32%
White
1%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>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?
383 students attend South Highlands Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of South Highlands Middle School students are Black, 23% 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 16:1, which is lower than 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.
School ReviewsReview South Highlands Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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Review South Highlands 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
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