The reported proficiency rate for Social studies is 12%.
Original Research by School Decision on Hugh C. Spalding Academy
Hugh C. Spalding Academy is an alternative school in Lebanon, Kentucky, serving students from kindergarten through grade twelve. It is part of the Marion County school district. As an alternative school, it is designed for students who need a learning environment different from the traditional comprehensive school setting, whether for academic, behavioral, or other reasons. That purpose shapes everything about the school.
The student body is small. Demographically, the school is predominantly white, with a small share of Hispanic students and an even smaller share of Black students. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that many families in the school community face economic challenges. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the record.
Because the school serves an alternative population, its state testing results are sparse. For the most recent assessment year, proficiency rates in math, English language arts, and science for grades six through eight were suppressed, meaning the number of tested students was too small to report publicly without risking student identification. The only reported result came from eighth-grade social studies, where a very small share of students scored at the proficient level or above. A parent considering this school should discuss academic progress measures directly with the school, since the typical snapshot from state tests does not provide a clear picture here.
No graduation rate was available in the data. That gap is common for schools of this type, where students may complete credits or transition back to a comprehensive school before earning a diploma. Similarly, chronic absenteeism data and other environment measures were not reported. The school’s civil rights and discipline data were also absent from the record. These are not necessarily weaknessesthey often reflect the small size and alternative nature of the schoolbut a parent should ask the school directly about its graduation pathways, attendance patterns, and behavioral supports.
The school is located in Lebanon, the county seat of Marion County. Lebanon is a small historic town with a downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring antebellum-era brick buildings. Hardins Creek runs through the southern part of the city. The town experienced a modest population increase in recent years. Its economy includes manufacturing and industry, and a major distillery opened in 2020. The annual Ham Days festival is a large community event. Housing values in the area sit below the national median, reflecting the region’s generally lower cost of living. The school sits at 721 East Main Street, within the town.
The district brief turned up no recent curriculum changes, bond measures, or policy shifts of note. The Marion County district’s comprehensive high school is Marion County High School; Hugh C. Spalding Academy serves as the alternative placement within the same district.
For a family trying to understand whether this school fits, the primary consideration is its mission. This is not a neighborhood school in the traditional sense. It is a small, specialized setting for students who have not thrived in a conventional classroom. A parent should expect that academic performance data will be limited and that the school’s success is measured differentlythan in a standard accountability context. The school may offer more individualized support, smaller class sizes, and a different approach to behavior and instruction. Those are qualities some families seek. The best next step is to visit, talk with staff, and understand exactly which students the school serves and what its goals are for each one.
See more original research from School Decision →