Several Marion County Schools have earned recognition in the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best K-8 Schools rankings, placing multiple local schools among Alabama’s highest-ranked elementary and middle schools.
According to the rankings, Hamilton Elementary School placed No. 21 among Alabama elementary schools, followed by Guin Elementary School at No. 31 and Hackleburg Elementary School at No. 367. In the middle school rankings, Hamilton Middle School ranked No. 39, while Hackleburg High School, which serves students in grades 6–12, ranked No. 184.
The rankings evaluate schools based on student performance in reading and mathematics, providing another opportunity to recognize the academic progress taking place across Marion County.
Dr. Patrick Sutton, superintendent of Marion County Schools, said the rankings reflect the dedication of educators, students, families, and school communities throughout the county.
“We are proud to see several of our schools recognized in these statewide rankings,” Sutton said. “These accomplishments represent the hard work taking place in our classrooms every day. Our teachers and administrators are committed to helping students grow academically, and our students continue to demonstrate what is possible when they are supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
Sutton emphasized that academic success is the result of consistent effort and a shared commitment among everyone involved in a child's education.
“While we are pleased with this recognition, we also understand that our work is never finished,” he said. “Our goal is not simply to earn a ranking. Our goal is to provide every student in Marion County with an excellent education and the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in the future.”
The U.S. News rankings come as Marion County Schools continues to focus on strengthening instruction, improving student achievement, and ensuring that students across all five communities have access to high-quality educational opportunities.
Sutton said the district’s progress is the result of a collective effort involving classroom teachers, school leaders, support staff, parents, the Marion County Board of Education, and community partners.
“Every school has a story of progress, and every accomplishment matters because it represents students and educators working toward a common goal,” Sutton said. “We are thankful for the people who invest their time, talent, and energy into our schools. Their work is making a difference, and we want to continue building on that progress.”
The superintendent added that the district remains focused on continuous improvement and maintaining high expectations for every school.
“In Marion County, we believe in being ‘Committed to Excellence.’ That means celebrating our successes while continuing to look for ways to improve. We want every school to be a place where students are challenged, teachers are supported, and families have confidence in the education their children receive. We are proud of where we are, but we are excited about where we can go together.”