The Alberta School of Performing Arts

The Alberta School of Performing Arts is a PK-8 school in Tuscaloosa, AL, serving 632 students in the Tuscaloosa City district, and it has transformed itself over the past decade from a bottom-quartile school to one now ranked in the top half of Alabama schools.

The most striking thing about this school is its phenomenal success in the middle grades. In 6th grade, math proficiency hit 76.92%—more than double the district average of 37.2%—and English proficiency reached 76.92% versus a 52.65% district average. This isn't a fluke; 6th graders have outperformed district averages by 30 to 46 percentage points for several years running. The 8th grade English scores are equally strong at 78.05% proficiency. However, the elementary grades (3rd-5th) are more mixed, with 5th grade math lagging behind the district. This suggests the performing arts focus may be a powerful engagement tool, especially as students transition to middle school. The school also shines in other areas: chronic absenteeism has plummeted from 22.5% to just 5.0%, far better than the district average of 11.1%, and it ranks in the 71st percentile statewide for its work with African American students.

Compared to nearby schools, Alberta sits in a middle position. It outperforms Southview Elementary, Skyland Elementary, and Arcadia Elementary, as well as several Tuscaloosa County schools like Holt Elementary and Cottondale Elementary. However, it trails higher-performing schools like Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary and Rock Quarry Elementary, which serve more affluent populations. With 71.2% of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch, Alberta's strong middle school results are especially notable. One area to watch is special education support, where performance has been inconsistent. Overall, this is a school on a clear upward trajectory, making efficient use of its resources to achieve meaningful gains.