Summary:
Limestone County, Alabama is home to 6 public high schools serving grades 6-12, with a total enrollment of approximately 4,448 students across a mix of rural and suburban communities. The Limestone County district currently ranks 80th out of 139 districts in the state, earning a 2-star rating.
East Limestone High School is the clear standout, ranking 46th in the state (88th percentile, 4 stars) and improving 65 positions over two years. It has the county's highest graduation rate at 95.5%, the lowest poverty rate (34% free/reduced lunch), and the lowest per-student spending ($7,987) — yet it achieves the best test scores across nearly all subjects. Clements High School is the most improved, jumping 139 spots to 124th in the state despite having the second-highest poverty rate (65.7%). Tanner High School is the biggest concern, ranking 332nd (13th percentile, 1 star) with the lowest graduation rate (83.3%), highest poverty (78.8%), and highest spending ($13,280 per student) — yet the worst outcomes. Ardmore High School has the best graduation rate (99.1%) but only mid-range academics, while Elkmont High School and West Limestone High School fall in the middle of the pack.
Chronic absenteeism is a county-wide problem — every school exceeds the state average of 12%, with Clements (21.8%) and Elkmont (20.7%) the highest. Test scores consistently decline from 6th to 11th grade across all subjects, with math showing the steepest drop. Science proficiency is notably stronger than math or English at every school. The data reveals a strong link between poverty and performance, though Clements proves improvement is possible even in high-poverty schools. The spending-performance paradox is striking: East Limestone spends the least but achieves the most, while Tanner spends the most and achieves the least. For parents, East Limestone offers the strongest academics and attendance, Ardmore excels at graduating students, and Clements shows the most promising upward trajectory.
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