State Department of Education releases test scores

Michael Bird • November 18, 2025

Tallassee City Schools receives "A" on state report card

By Michael Butler, WTLS-AM 1300 & FM 94.7/101.1

The Alabama Department of Education has put out its annual report card scores. Tallassee received an 84 overall, unchanged from the previous year. Tallassee Elementary School got the system's first-ever A with a state score of 90.

"System-wide, we're a solid B which we've been for a couple of years," TCS superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin stated. "I'm really excited we have our first A school. I cannot say enough about the teachers and the staff."

Shanikka Beacher is in her ninth year as TES principal.

"Every student matters, and every moment counts," Beacher said. "Together, we’re forging something truly special."

Southside Middle School scored an 84 overall, down slightly from an 85 the previous year. Tallassee High School had a 77, its third straight year with an improved score.

Nolin spoke about the marked improvement over the years at TES. Last year's number was an 88. It was an 81 the preceding year.

"They've steadily increased that score incrementally. These scores are a year in the rear, so basically the scores were tests taken in the spring. I wish it were more timely, then we could tweak our instruction.

"We're excited but have some work to do. We're not saying B is where we want to be. We want to be an A school across the board."

Tallassee showed an academic growth rate of 94.99 percent and graduation rate of 87.7 percent. Chronic absenteeism was 8.57 percent. College and career readiness was 71.31 percent.

Demographics for the system were 65.72 percent white and 26.81 black or African American. The 12th grade class had the highest percentage of students at 9.53 percent compared to the second grade with the lowest of 6.97 percent.

Nolin added that the school system has received full accreditation status for another five years as well.

"I want to congratulate all of our staff and students. Beth Haynes led that charge. It takes a couple of years to get prepared for that process."

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Why Auburn University Is Studying Tallassee’s Historic Mill District — And Why Developers Are Taking Notice

By Easterling Carpenter • March 23, 2026

Tallassee’s 120,000+ SF Historic Mill Site Positioned for Redevelopment Tallassee, AL's Historic Mill complex has attracted institutional and academic interest among which, Dr. Tommy Brown at Auburn University archives seeks out mill records. This comes one year after feasibility studies confirm its viability as a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment opportunity. Tallassee Redevelopment Authority(TRA)-sponsored studies back up that potential, showing: Estimated Rental Rates of $12-$18/SF premiums as riverfront commercial real estate (as opposed $5-10/SF locally) Estimated $12 Million dollars in annual economic impact Approximately 45% in Historic Tax credits (20% Federal + 25% State) Strategic positioning between Auburn and Montgomery Existing structure in place with modern electrical, HVAC, and water , display utilities readily available Stabilized structures reduce early-stage capital risk And the TRA as its current owner, is actively seeking development partners to advance the site into its next phase. Strategic Transition This Tallassee Industrial Era property is closer than ever to its future. The site was continuously used up until 2005 as textile mill, making it one of the longest continuously operating mill sites in the nation. Due to changes in the market, the industry became underutilized and production ceased. Many Tallassee residents having worked there and through the effort of the Talisi Historical Preservation Society(THPS), have reduced investor risk. They raised over $30,000 dollars to put modern corrugated metal roofing on several of the buildings as well as restoring and currently performing upkeep. Stewardship by THPS enabled stabilization, having invested approximately $95,000 total in risk management and restoration efforts , after which ownership transitioned to the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority to facilitate professional redevelopment and investment partnerships. The TRA has sponsored professional studies as recently as 2025, which will be explored further in this article. The Tallassee, AL Location Advantage Regional positioning strengthens Tallassee’s redevelopment potential. Seated neatly between Auburn and Montgomery, it is only 10 minutes from I-85 . With Auburn, AL experiencing a 34.2% population growth between 2015 and 2023( according to GoBankingRates ), creates spillover housing and hospitality demand in nearby communities. Tallassee remains an ideal location for young families and commuting college students as well, seeing a cost of living 17% lower than the national average and 12.9% lower than the Opelika-Auburn area per PayScale . Strong school performance further supports long-term residential and workforce stability. Tallassee City Schools also stand out for young families as one of the highest rated schools by the Alabama State Report Card between Auburn and Montgomery, AL. Tallassee Elementary was scored in the 2024-2025 with a 90/A grade by the state. Tallassee's closeness to both of these cities, and access to 750,000 residents within 45 minutes act as a major opportunity for a commuting workforce. Many of which already commute to Tallassee's established industry such as GKN Aerospace, Neptune, and Hanil USA. Professional Planning Confirms the Opportunity In 2025, the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority commissioned a comprehensive redevelopment analysis conducted by Place Associates, LLC in collaboration with Leavell Design Consultants. The resulting Tallassee Mill Sites Redevelopment Report provides independent market validation, economic modeling, and phased development strategies for the site. With authorization from the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, this article makes the study available to prospective developers and partners seeking deeper due diligence insight.