For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,680 students in Cottondale, AL (there are 1 private school, serving 371 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Cottondale, AL are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Cottondale, AL are Cottondale Elementary School, Davisemerson Middle School and Eastwood Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cottondale, AL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Alabama public school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Cottondale have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Alabama public school average of 50% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Cottondale, AL (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cottondale Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2301 Cottondale Ln
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 342-2642
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 342-2642
Gr: PK-5 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #22.
Davisemerson Middle School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 Bulldog Blvd
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 342-2750
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 342-2750
Gr: 6-8 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #33.
Eastwood Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6314 Mary Harmon Bryant Drive
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 759-3613
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 759-3613
Gr: 6-8 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #44.
Paul W Bryant High School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6315 Mary Harmon Bryant Drive
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 759-3538
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 759-3538
Gr: 9-12 | 1,134 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cottondale, AL?
The top-ranked public schools in Cottondale, AL include Cottondale Elementary School, Davisemerson Middle School and Eastwood Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Cottondale?
4 public schools are located in Cottondale.
What percentage of students in Cottondale go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Cottondale are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cottondale?
Cottondale public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Alabama public schools average of 50% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Cottondale are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cottondale include: Eastwood Middle School vs. Davisemerson Middle School, Davisemerson Middle School vs. Eastwood Middle School
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.