Summary:
Lockhart, Alabama, is served by a single public elementary school, WS Harlan Elementary School, which is part of the Covington County district and serves grades PK through 6 with an enrollment of 293 students.
For parents, the most important takeaway is that WS Harlan is a school on a clear upward trajectory, but with a notable academic weak spot. The school has improved its state ranking dramatically over the past three years, jumping from the 36th percentile to the 54th percentile and earning a 3-star rating. Its greatest strength is attendance: the chronic absenteeism rate is just 1.3%, compared to 6.9% for the district and 12.0% statewide, which is remarkable given that 63% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Academically, the school shines in the early grades, particularly in 3rd grade English (78.79% proficiency vs. 64.75% statewide) and 3rd grade math (51.52% vs. 44.89%). However, there is a significant and persistent problem in 5th grade mathematics, where only 14.29% of students are proficient—nearly 25 points below the state average—and this issue has continued for two consecutive years. The good news is that 6th grade math shows a dramatic rebound to 58.14% proficiency, well above the state average of 35.22%, suggesting the school can overcome this challenge with targeted interventions.
Overall, WS Harlan offers a positive environment with strong family engagement and improving results, but parents should be aware of the 5th grade math slump. English performance is generally solid across all grades, and the school outperforms its district in several key areas, including 6th grade math and 3rd grade reading. While there are no middle or high schools in Lockhart itself, meaning students will eventually transition to schools outside the city, the elementary school provides a strong foundation for early learners. If the current trend continues, the school is well-positioned to keep climbing in state rankings over the next few years.
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