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Average

#983 of 1,356 schools in AL

South Dale Middle School

Middle School · Dale County

PO Box D, Pinckard, AL 36371

Enrollment

410

Student-Teacher

19.5:1

Score

5.2

Grades

5th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Alabama schools

#983 of 1,356

In district

#7 of 7

Dale County

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South Dale Middle School

5.2/10

Middle School in Pinckard · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Dale County High School

5.2/10

2.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Midland City Elementary School

7.6/10

2.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About South Dale Middle School

South Dale Middle School is a public middle school in Pinckard, AL, part of Dale County. South Dale Middle School serves approximately 410 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 19.5:1 student-teacher ratio. South Dale Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #983 of 1,356 schools in AL.

Structured state assessment records for South Dale Middle School show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.4 pts below AL schools
  • This school 5.2 · Average
  • AL avg 5.6

What Parents Should Know

South Dale Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.4Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.63 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency23% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency33% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-6.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
Resources & Environment3.1Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,213
Chronic Absenteeism28.8%

South Dale Middle School — Students at South Dale Middle School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

78.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 45.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 53.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 28 test records from AL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
63%
ELA
76%
2010
Math
85%
ELA
83%
2011
Math
85%
ELA
89%
2012
Math
70%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
27%
ELA
36%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
39%
ELA
34%
2016
Math
41%
ELA
36%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
40%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
49%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
49%
2020*
Math
18%
ELA
44%
2021*
Math
18%
ELA
44%
2022
Math
23%
ELA
42%

* 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: 6.4/10.

How South Dale Middle School Compares

See how South Dale Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
28th percentile in AL
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
6.4/10
Average
Environment
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
78%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
21 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
28.8%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO Box D, Pinckard, AL 36371

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Dale Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Newton Elementary School (rated 9.4/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Newton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wicksburg Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Newton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Highlands Elementary School (rated 8.0/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Dothan), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Pinckard, see our Pinckard schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Dale County High School Midland City 2.5 mi 5.2
Midland City Elementary School Midland City 2.9 mi 7.6
Newton Elementary School Newton 3.0 mi 9.4
Kelly Springs Elementary School Dothan 5.4 mi 6.1
Highlands Elementary School Dothan 7.5 mi 8.0
HOUSTON ACADEMY Dothan 7.6 mi 6.0
Wicksburg High School Newton 8.1 mi 7.6
Wicksburg Elementary School Newton 8.1 mi 9.2
NORTHSIDE METHODIST CHURCH & ACADEMY Dothan 7.7 mi 4.7
WESTGATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Dothan 8.4 mi 6.8
Girard Intermediate School Dothan 9.1 mi 4.8
Girard Primary School Dothan 9.1 mi 4.5
Heard Elementary School Dothan 9.7 mi 6.1
Harry N Mixon Intermediate School Ozark 10.1 mi 7.3
Morris Slingluff Elementary School Dothan 9.5 mi 5.3
Dothan City Early Education Center Dothan 10.2 mi 5.3
Daleville Middle School Dalevile 9.5 mi 6.0
Daleville High School Daleville 9.6 mi 3.8
Carroll High School Ozark 10.9 mi 4.6
DOTHAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Dothan 10.4 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 36371 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$39,000

Median Home Value

$120,400

Median Rent

$744/mo

Population

425

College Educated

4.6%

Homeownership

77.2%

Poverty Rate

25.2%

Median Age

51.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Charles Henderson Middle Troy, AL 5.2
Charles R Drew Middle School Lincoln, AL 5.2
Duncanville Middle School Duncanville, AL 5.2
Moody Junior High School Moody, AL 5.2
Moody Middle School Moody, AL 5.2
William L Radney Elementary School Alexander City, AL 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Dale Middle School

What grades does South Dale Middle School serve?

South Dale Middle School serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend South Dale Middle School?

South Dale Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 410 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Dale Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Dale Middle School is 19.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Dale Middle School rank in AL?

South Dale Middle School ranks #983 of 1,356 schools in AL.

What is South Dale Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Dale Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at South Dale Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Dale Middle School has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is South Dale Middle School a charter school?

No, South Dale Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is South Dale Middle School a Title I school?

No, South Dale Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Dale Middle School?

78.3% of students at South Dale 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

Walk Score
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
21 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
410
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Free/Reduced Lunch
78.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Dale County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
28.8%

District

Dale County
District Enrollment
3,313
Schools in District
9
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,213
District Rank
#7 of 7

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