Summary:
Coker, Alabama, is served by a single elementary school, Westwood Elementary School, which educates students from Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade within the Tuscaloosa County school district.
For parents considering this area, Westwood Elementary School is a clear standout. Despite its district ranking in the bottom half of Alabama school systems, Westwood consistently earns a 4-star rating and places in the top 15% of elementary schools statewide. The school dramatically outperforms both district and state averages in every subject and grade tested. In the most recent school year, 3rd grade English proficiency reached 87.8%, and 4th grade science proficiency hit an extraordinary 81.7%—31 points above the state average. Even in its weakest area, 4th grade math, the school still exceeds state norms. This high achievement is supported by excellent operational metrics: a favorable 13.7:1 student-teacher ratio and a chronic absenteeism rate of just 4.9%, which is less than half the district and state averages. The school serves a moderately diverse socioeconomic population, with 38.8% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, yet still achieves top-quartile results.
One notable trend to watch is the significant drop in 4th grade math proficiency, which fell from 62.8% to 46.7% year-over-year—a 16-point decline that may reflect a cohort effect or curriculum transition. However, this is the exception rather than the rule. The school showed strong gains in 4th grade science (+17 points) and 3rd grade English (+6.7 points), and it has maintained its 4-star rating for three consecutive years. For parents, Westwood Elementary School offers a proven, stable learning environment with strong literacy foundations, exceptional science instruction, and a culture of attendance that clearly supports academic success—making it a compelling choice within the Tuscaloosa County district.
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