Serving 426 students in grades 5-8, South Dale Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 23% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 42% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Alabama state average of 48% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 426 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 23% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Dale Middle School's student population of 426 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
Total Students
426 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
South Dale Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,285 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Dale Middle School is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#626 out of 1285 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
5%
11%
Black
35%
32%
White
55%
52%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Dale Middle School's ranking?
South Dale Middle School is ranked #626 out of 1,285 schools, which ranks it among the top 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?
23% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% 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?
426 students attend South Dale Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of South Dale Middle School students are White, 35% of students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% 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 19:1, 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
What school district is South Dale Middle School part of?
South Dale Middle School is part of Dale County School District.
School Reviews
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
Recent Articles
College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
The article discusses a proposal in Washington D.C. to make college applications a requirement for high school graduation. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, including its impact on graduation rates and college attendance. The piece also considers similar initiatives in other states and the debate surrounding this approach
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.