Summary:
Zip code 35601 in Decatur, Alabama, is home to 9 elementary schools serving grades PK-5 within the Decatur City school district, which ranks in the 37th percentile statewide. The schools enroll roughly 3,260 students, with a notable socioeconomic divide reflected in free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 37% to 81%.
The standout is Leon Sheffield Magnet Elementary School, which ranks in the top 6% of all Alabama schools (37th of 686) and outperforms every other school in the zip code by a wide margin—posting 90% English and 70% math proficiency, compared to the next-best school, Eastwood Elementary School, at 75% and 53%. Eastwood is a strong 4-star performer with the lowest poverty rate (37%) and highest per-student spending ($15,088). At the other end, West Decatur Elementary School ranks 613th statewide (1 star) with 81% poverty and just 21% math proficiency, while Oak Park Elementary School also struggles (35% math) despite showing dramatic year-over-year improvement. Walter Jackson Elementary School is a middle performer, exceeding state averages in English (69%) despite moderate poverty.
Chronic absenteeism is a bright spot—every school is below the 12% state average, with Leon Sheffield at just 1.3%. However, science scores lag universally, even at Leon Sheffield (74% vs. 50% state average). Benjamin Davis Elementary School (PK-2) has no test data but shows reasonable attendance. Woodmeade Elementary School outperforms higher-spending schools like BanksCaddell Elementary School, suggesting funding isn't the sole driver. Austinville Elementary School shows a concerning decline from 3rd to 5th grade. For parents, the choice is clear: Leon Sheffield and Eastwood offer the strongest academics, while the remaining schools face significant challenges tied to poverty.
Thank you for your feedback!