John Essex High School in Demopolis, AL, serves 129 students with a student–teacher ratio of 6:1, which is lower than the state average ratio, indicating smaller class sizes typical of a rural Alabama high school.
The school's minority enrollment is predominantly Black at 99%, with 95% of students eligible for free lunch, reflecting a high level of socioeconomic need that has remained stable over recent years.
Math proficiency was 50% in 2023, which is higher than the state average of 30% and the district average of 35%, showing improvement from 20% in 2022.
Reading proficiency stood at 21% in 2022, which is lower than the state average of 47% and district average of 39%, indicating an area of academic challenge at this Alabama public high school.
Graduation rates have been consistently low at approximately 50% since 2017, which is significantly lower than the state average of about 88%, highlighting ongoing concerns in student completion outcomes.
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Total Students
129 students
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(13-14)20-24%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(13-14)15-19%
42%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
1%
11%
Black
99%
32%
White
n/a
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(12-13)60-79%
81%
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Marengo County School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% AL state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of John Essex High School?
The graduation rate of John Essex High School is 60-79%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 81%.
How many students attend John Essex High School?
129 students attend John Essex High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of John Essex High School students are Black, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John Essex High School?
John Essex High School has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does John Essex High School offer ?
John Essex High School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12
What school district is John Essex High School part of?
John Essex High School is part of Marengo County School District.
