Below Average
#1247 of 1,356 schools in AL
Sipsey Valley Middle School
Middle School · Tuscaloosa County
15817 Romulus Rd, Buhl, AL 35446
Enrollment
544
Student-Teacher
20.1:1
Score
4.3
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
544
Student-Teacher
20.1:1
Score
4.3
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Buhl
#2 of 3
public schools
Alabama middle schools
#233 of 262
In district
#28 of 35
Tuscaloosa County
About Sipsey Valley Middle School
Sipsey Valley Middle School is a regular public middle school located in the rural community of Buhl, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. With an enrollment of 544 students, the school offers a student-teacher ratio of 20.1:1, ensuring a relatively personalized learning environment. Sipsey Valley Middle School serves students in grades 5 through 8, providing a comprehensive education in a setting that values community and close-knit relationships.
The school's academic performance is currently at the 38th percentile in Alabama, with a MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10. In terms of proficiency, 46% of students meet or exceed standards in English Language Arts, while 19% do so in math. These scores indicate areas where the school is focusing on student development and growth.
The surrounding neighborhood, with a median household income of $50,357, is home to approximately 2,162 residents. About 10% of adults in the area hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate is 17.5%. Sipsey Valley Middle School is an integral part of this close-knit, rural community, fostering a supportive learning environment for its students.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Sipsey Valley Middle School is 20.1:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Sipsey Valley Middle School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Sipsey Valley Middle School — Students at Sipsey Valley Middle School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
62.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.6/10.
How Sipsey Valley Middle School Compares
See how Sipsey Valley Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 49% (2019) to 19% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 45% (2019) to 46% (2022).
Location
15817 Romulus Rd, Buhl, AL 35446
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Sipsey Valley Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. CollinsRiverside Middle School (rated 6.4/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Northport), which scores notably higher. Another option is Westlawn Middle School (rated 5.8/10, 9.0 miles away, in nearby Tuscaloosa), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Northport Intermediate School (rated 5.6/10, 10.5 miles away, in nearby Northport), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Buhl, see our Buhl schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sipsey Valley High School Buhl | 0.2 mi | 3.1 |
| Buhl Elementary School Buhl | 4.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Westwood Elementary School Coker | 4.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Myrtlewood Elementary School Fosters | 7.2 mi | 7.5 |
| Flatwoods Elementary School Northport | 7.2 mi | 8.4 |
| Oakdale Elementary School Tuscaloosa | 7.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Crestmont Elementary School Northport | 8.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Martin L King Jr Elementary School Tuscaloosa | 8.9 mi | 7.6 |
| Lloyd Wood Education Center Northport | 9.0 mi | 7.7 |
| Westlawn Middle School Tuscaloosa | 9.0 mi | 5.8 |
| Central Elementary School Tuscaloosa | 9.0 mi | 7.2 |
| THE CAPITOL SCHOOL Tuscaloosa | 9.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Echols Middle School Northport | 9.2 mi | 3.8 |
| Matthews Elementary School Northport | 9.5 mi | 7.9 |
| CollinsRiverside Middle School Northport | 9.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Northport Intermediate School Northport | 10.5 mi | 5.6 |
| Northport Elementary School Northport | 10.7 mi | 8.8 |
| Tuscaloosa County High School Northport | 10.6 mi | 4.1 |
| FaucettVestavia Elementary School Northport | 10.0 mi | 7.8 |
| Huntington Place Elementary School Northport | 11.0 mi | 8.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35446 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$50,650
Median Home Value
$106,900
Median Rent
$823/mo
Population
1,772
College Educated
5.1%
Homeownership
75.8%
Avg Commute
32.5 min
Poverty Rate
21.1%
Median Age
34.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Sipsey Valley Middle School has a median household income of $50,650. It is a community where 5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $106,900, with a median rent of $823/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 33 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Capitol Heights Middle School Montgomery, AL | 4.3 |
| Clanton Middle School Clanton, AL | 4.3 |
| Redland Middle School Wetumpka, AL | 4.3 |
| White Plains Middle School Anniston, AL | 4.3 |
| Corner Middle School Warrior, AL | 4.2 |
| Springville Middle School Springville, AL | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sipsey Valley Middle School
What grades does Sipsey Valley Middle School serve?
Sipsey Valley Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Sipsey Valley Middle School?
Sipsey Valley Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 544 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Sipsey Valley Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Sipsey Valley Middle School is 20.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Sipsey Valley Middle School rank in AL?
Sipsey Valley Middle School is ranked #1247 out of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is Sipsey Valley Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Sipsey Valley Middle School has a composite rating of 4.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Sipsey Valley Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sipsey Valley Middle School has 27.3% math proficiency and 45.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Sipsey Valley Middle School a charter school?
No, Sipsey Valley Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Sipsey Valley Middle School a Title I school?
No, Sipsey Valley Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sipsey Valley Middle School?
62.7% of students at Sipsey Valley Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (247/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 544
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 62.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Tuscaloosa County
- Phone
- (205) 342-2870
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Tuscaloosa County- District Enrollment
- 19,228
- Schools in District
- 36
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,564
- District Rank
- #28 of 35
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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