Summary:
Zip code 35160 in Talladega, Alabama, is served by three elementary schools—Stemley Road Elementary School, C L Salter Elementary School, and Raymond L Young Elementary School—which together educate roughly 883 students across grades PK-6, split between the Talladega County and Talladega City districts.
For parents, the standout is Stemley Road Elementary, which serves the widest grade range (PK-6) and shows the strongest recent momentum. Its 3rd grade math proficiency jumped from 22% to 67% in one year, far exceeding state averages, and its chronic absenteeism rate of 8.9% is the best in the area—well below the state norm. However, this success fades in 4th and 5th grades, where math proficiency drops to around 22-29%, suggesting a "3rd grade cliff" that parents should watch. In contrast, C L Salter Elementary (K-3) faces the toughest challenges: it ranks in the bottom 10% of Alabama schools, with 3rd grade math proficiency at just 22% and English at 42%, both far below state averages. It also has the highest poverty rate (81% free/reduced lunch) and above-average absenteeism. Raymond L Young Elementary (PK-K) has the lowest student-teacher ratio (14.5:1) and highest per-student spending ($11,290), but its chronic absenteeism rate of 20.6% is nearly double the state average—a red flag for early education readiness.
Overall, the area shows a clear divide: Stemley Road demonstrates that a school with moderate poverty (68%) can outperform expectations, while C L Salter illustrates how high poverty (81%) correlates with lower outcomes. Raymond L Young offers strong early-childhood resources but struggles with attendance. Parents comparing schools should note the grade-configuration gaps—no test data exists for PK-K or most of K-3—making direct academic comparisons difficult. Still, Stemley Road is the clear choice for families seeking proven academic gains and consistent attendance, while the other two schools may require closer monitoring of attendance and early-grade support.
Thank you for your feedback!