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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

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 metrics
Student Progress3.6Fair40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-5.15 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.1Above Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency19%
Reading/ELA Proficiency46%
Overall Proficiency33%
Expected (poverty-adj.)38%
vs. Expected-5.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile45th
Resources & Environment2.8Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,186

Sipsey Valley Middle School — Students at Sipsey Valley Middle School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

62.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 27.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 45.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from AL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
49%
ELA
45%
2021*
Math
14%
ELA
46%
2022
Math
19%
ELA
46%

* 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.

Overall Score
4.3/10
8th percentile in AL
Academic
6.1/10
6.1/10
Growth
3.6/10
Below average
Environment
2.8/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
63%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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 methodology

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