- Gaylesville High School — 5.1 mi · Grades PK–12 · 341 students
- Cedar Bluff High School — 9.1 mi · Grades PK–12 · 623 students
- Cherokee County High School — 13.9 mi · Grades 9–12 · 448 students
- Sand Rock High School — 14.2 mi · Grades PK–12 · 783 students
- Cherokee County Career Technology Center — 14.9 mi · Grades 7–12
- Centre Elementary School — 15.0 mi · Grades PK–4 · 665 students
- Centre Middle School — 15.5 mi · Grades 5–8 · 450 students
- Spring Garden High School — 24.8 mi · Grades PK–12 · 550 students
| Metric | Cherokee County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,886 | 3,544 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,383/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 24% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee County School District (this district) | 7/10 | 66th | 3,886 |
| Fort Payne City School District | Not rated | — | 3,515 |
| DeKalb County School District | 4/10 | 38th | 8,717 |
| Jackson County School District | 7/10 | 63rd | 5,200 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 109 rated districts in AL → 66th percentile → 7/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Cherokee County School District
Zip code 35973 in Cherokee, Alabama is served by Cherokee County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Cherokee County School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
Cherokee County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 7/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Alabama is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Cherokee County School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Alabama. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 35973
Children in zip code 35973 are assigned to Cherokee County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 35973, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Cherokee County School District at (256)927-3362 or visit www.cherokeek12.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Alabama districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Gaylesville
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Cherokee County School District serves zip code 35973, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 35973 and neighboring areas. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Alabama, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Cherokee County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 35973.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Cherokee County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 35973 data.