Orchard Elementary School

Orchard Elementary School in Mobile, AL, is a public school serving 622 students in grades PK through 5 within the Mobile County district, where a large majority of families (82%) qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Academically, Orchard faces significant challenges, particularly in math, where proficiency rates trail state averages by roughly 20 to 28 points across all grade levels. For example, only about 17% of 3rd graders meet math standards compared to 45% statewide. The picture is more encouraging in reading: while 3rd-grade English proficiency lags behind, 4th-grade English proficiency (53%) actually matches the district average and comes close to the state average. This suggests literacy instruction may be a relative strength, especially in upper grades. Science proficiency in 4th grade (31%) also falls below district and state averages. The school's overall ranking places it in the bottom fifth of Alabama elementary schools, with a 1-star rating.

Despite these hurdles, there are notable bright spots. The school has made dramatic progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, dropping from 29% in 2022-2023 to 13% in 2024-2025—now only slightly above the state average. Additionally, Orchard shows particular effectiveness with specific student groups: its African American students rank in the 46th percentile statewide (up from the 26th percentile two years ago), and its special education students rank in the 41st percentile, both earning 2-star ratings. When compared to nearby schools, Orchard outperforms John Will Elementary in nearly every subject, though it trails far behind Old Shell Road Magnet School, a 5-star school just under five miles away. With a student-teacher ratio of 21.9, class sizes are larger than at higher-performing peers, which may limit individualized attention. Overall, Orchard is a school with real challenges but also clear signs of targeted progress worth watching.