The top reported proficiency rate is 40% in English language arts. The lowest is 11% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Calloway Smith Middle School
Calloway Smith Middle School sits at 350 North Lawrence Street in downtown Mobile, a location that places it near the historic core of a mid-size Gulf Coast port city. The school serves sixth through eighth grades as a regular public school within the Mobile County system. Its enrollment is small for a middle school, and the student body is overwhelmingly composed of Black or African American students, with very small shares of Hispanic, White, and multiracial students. A very high share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on special education and English learner populations was not available in the public record; a parent may want to ask the school directly about those supports.
The academic picture comes from a single year of state testing, the 2024-25 Alabama ACAP assessments, and shows a clear pattern. In math, the share of students reaching proficiency was low in every grade, and the combined schoolwide figure places the school well below the midpoint of schools across Mobile County when an overall proficiency index is calculated across subjects and grades. In English language arts, proficiency was reported at a modest level, and in eighth-grade science it was also low. These results come from one year of data, so there is no trend to compare. A parent looking at these numbers will want to understand what academic interventions and supports the school provides and how the school is working to raise achievement. The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to consider.
Compared to other middle schools within the Mobile County district universe, the overall proficiency index for Calloway Smith is below the midpoint. Seven other districts in the county had data for this comparison, and the school’s index falls on the lower end of that range. This is a useful benchmark for a parent trying to gauge where the school stands relative to nearby options, though it is only one measure.
The surrounding city of Mobile is shaped by its deep-water port, aerospace manufacturing, shipbuilding, and healthcare. The city covers a large geographic area, but walkability and street life are concentrated downtown, where the school is located. Dauphin Street, Bienville Square, and cultural institutions such as art museums and performance venues are nearby. The city underwent a major west annexation in 2023 that increased its population and shifted its demographics. Housing values in the area are well below national and state benchmarks, and the typical rent is relatively affordable, though a parent would need to examine specific neighborhoods near the school. The district itself reported no recent parent-relevant changes in its operations or leadership, so the school’s context appears stable in that regard.
The school offers no information in the public data about specific program offerings, such as advanced coursework, electives, or career-oriented pathways. Discipline data, staffing ratios, and attendance figures were also not available. A family considering Calloway Smith should fill those gaps by visiting the school, speaking with administrators, and understanding what a typical academic day looks like. The student composition is homogeneous in race and economic background, which may be a consideration for families seeking a more diverse peer environment. The downtown location could be an asset for families who value proximity to cultural amenities and a more urban setting, but the school’s academic results point to challenges that warrant close inquiry.
See more original research from School Decision →