Summary:
Fultondale, Alabama, is served by a single public school, Fultondale Elementary School, which educates students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade within the Jefferson County school district.
For parents considering this school, the most important takeaway is that Fultondale Elementary faces significant academic challenges, particularly in mathematics. The school holds a 1-star rating and ranks in the 14th percentile statewide, placing it well below average. Math proficiency is critically low and declines as students advance: only 21.6% of 3rd graders, 15.5% of 4th graders, and 12.5% of 5th graders are proficient, compared to state averages of roughly 40-45%. The gap widens from 23 points in 3rd grade to nearly 27 points by 5th grade, indicating that math deficits compound over time. English scores are mixed but also below state averages, with 4th grade being a particular weak spot at 36.5% proficiency, while 3rd and 5th grades perform better at 49.2% and 54.4%, respectively. The school also serves a high-need population, with 65% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, and class sizes are relatively large at a 20.4:1 student-teacher ratio.
Despite these struggles, there are some bright spots. Chronic absenteeism is a standout strength at just 9.3%, far better than the district average of 16.9% and the state average of 12.0%, meaning students are consistently showing up to class. Year-over-year data shows notable improvements in English for 3rd grade (+11.4 points) and 5th grade (+11.3 points), though 4th grade declined in both subjects. This inconsistency suggests that improvement efforts are not yet uniform across grade levels. For parents, this school offers a dedicated student body with strong attendance, but the academic gaps—especially in math and 4th-grade English—require serious attention and likely additional support at home.
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