GoldsmithSchiffman Elementary

Goldsmith-Schiffman Elementary is a large, high-achieving public school in Big Cove, AL, serving 935 students in grades PK-5 as part of the Huntsville City district.

This school is a consistent standout. In the most recent school year, it ranked 61st out of 686 elementary schools in Alabama, placing it in the 91st percentile statewide. It has earned a 5-star rating in 8 of the last 10 years and has never ranked below the 88th percentile over that decade. Academically, Goldsmith-Schiffman significantly outperforms both its district and the state in every subject. For example, 5th-grade English proficiency is an impressive 93.3%, compared to 66.6% for the district and 69.5% for the state. Math proficiency rates are also strong, ranging from 62.4% to 68.6% across grades, which is roughly 25-30 points higher than district averages. The school is particularly effective with students who often face challenges: it ranks in the 93rd percentile for Special Education students and has seen a dramatic surge for low-income students, jumping from the 35th percentile two years ago to the 90th percentile today. Chronic absenteeism is also remarkably low at 5.6%, about half the state average.

While the nearby Hampton Cove Elementary holds a slightly higher overall state rank (21st), Goldsmith-Schiffman is highly competitive—its 5th-grade English scores actually exceeded Hampton Cove's this year. Both schools are part of a pocket of high achievement in the southeastern Huntsville area, which stands in stark contrast to nearby Madison County schools like New Hope Elementary and Owens Cross Roads School, which have significantly higher absenteeism and lower test scores. Notably, Goldsmith-Schiffman achieves these results while spending less per student ($6,660) than many peers, indicating strong operational efficiency. For parents, this school offers a compelling combination of top-tier academics, effective support for diverse learners, and a strong culture of attendance.