Summary:
Zip code 35211 in Birmingham, Alabama, is served by four elementary schools—Oxmoor K5, West End Academy, Hemphill Elementary School, and Richard Arrington Elementary—all part of the Birmingham City district, serving roughly 1,700 students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, with high poverty rates (77–80% free/reduced lunch) across the cohort.
For parents, the standout choice is clearly Oxmoor K5, which ranks in the 22nd percentile statewide—far ahead of its peers. It posts the best test scores in nearly every subject and grade, with 3rd grade English proficiency at 56.96% compared to 34.38% at West End Academy and 38.78% at Richard Arrington. Oxmoor also has remarkably low chronic absenteeism at just 3.7%, versus 24.8% at Hemphill Elementary School and 14.9% at Richard Arrington. West End Academy sits in the middle—decent attendance (7.4%) but weaker academics, ranking in the 6th percentile. Richard Arrington is the most concerning, with the lowest math scores (12.24% in 3rd grade) and a 1st-percentile ranking in 2024-2025 before a slight recovery.
Across all four schools, English proficiency consistently outpaces math by 25+ points, and 3rd grade scores are the strongest before a sharp decline in 4th grade—Hemphill drops from 32.56% to 8.70% in math. Chronic absenteeism is the clearest differentiator: Oxmoor and West End beat state averages, while Hemphill and Richard Arrington lag significantly. Spending per student varies little ($10,378–$11,144), yet outcomes differ dramatically, suggesting school culture and instruction matter more than funding. All schools rank in the bottom 22% statewide, reflecting systemic challenges in the Birmingham City district, but Oxmoor proves high-poverty schools can succeed with strong attendance and effective teaching.
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