Summary:
Zip code 35083, encompassing the Holly Pond area of Cullman County, Alabama, is served by a single K-8 school, Holly Pond Elementary School, which educates 634 students within the Cullman County district.
For parents, Holly Pond Elementary School presents a mixed picture of strong academics in some areas and clear challenges in others. The school’s greatest asset is its English Language Arts program, where students consistently outperform state averages. For example, 5th graders achieved an 80.25% proficiency rate, well above the state’s 69.53%, and 8th graders hit 71.95% versus the state’s 54.48%. Attendance is also a bright spot, with a chronic absenteeism rate of just 8.7%—significantly better than the state average of 12.0%—which suggests a positive and engaging school climate. However, mathematics is a major concern, particularly in the upper grades. While 3rd graders slightly exceed the state average in math, proficiency drops sharply in 4th and 5th grades, and the 8th-grade math proficiency of just 8.54% is alarmingly low, sitting 16 points below the state average. This dramatic decline from a 48.05% proficiency rate in 6th grade indicates a serious problem with math instruction or curriculum as students progress through middle school.
The school’s overall state ranking has slipped over the past three years, from the 71st percentile (4 stars) in 2023-2024 down to the 51st percentile (3 stars) in 2025-2026. This decline is likely driven by the weak math and science scores, which appear to weigh heavily in state accountability metrics, despite the school’s English strengths. With per-student spending of $8,380 and 55% of students receiving free or reduced lunch, the school is operating with modest resources. The data suggests that while Holly Pond Elementary School has a solid foundation in literacy and attendance, targeted interventions in mathematics—especially for students in 4th, 5th, and 8th grades—are critical to reversing the downward ranking trend and ensuring all students are prepared for high school.
Thank you for your feedback!