Elementary Schools in Covington County

The three elementary schools serving grades PK-5, PK-6, and PK-8 in Covington County, Alabama, offer a diverse range of academic experiences for families, with the district itself ranking in the 65th percentile statewide and all schools serving economically disadvantaged populations.

Straughn Elementary School is the clear standout, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 82nd percentile statewide. It achieves the highest test scores across nearly every subject and grade level, with exceptional English proficiency (84.1% of 3rd graders) and strong math scores that exceed state averages. Despite spending the least per student ($7,834), Straughn also has the lowest poverty rate (52.2% free/reduced lunch) and very low chronic absenteeism at 4.9%. WS Harlan Elementary School is the most improved, climbing from the 36th to 54th percentile in just two years. Its chronic absenteeism rate of just 1.3% is remarkably low—nearly 11 points below the state average—and likely contributes to its upward trajectory, though its 5th grade math proficiency (14.3%) represents a dramatic drop-off. Fleeta School faces the greatest challenges, with the highest poverty rate (73.5%), highest absenteeism (8.0%), and lowest rankings (48th percentile). While it spends the most per student ($11,154) and has the best student-teacher ratio (12.1:1), its math proficiency collapses in the middle grades, falling from 52.2% in 3rd grade to just 18.5% in 4th grade.

For parents, the key takeaway is that spending and class size don't guarantee results—Straughn proves that strong outcomes are achievable with fewer resources. WS Harlan demonstrates that rapid improvement is possible, while Fleeta shows hidden strengths in science (70.4% of 4th graders proficient) despite overall struggles. All three schools face a common challenge with 5th grade math, suggesting a district-wide curriculum issue. Families prioritizing consistent high performance should look to Straughn, while those interested in a school on the rise may find WS Harlan appealing.