For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,603 students in 35603, AL (there are 3 private schools, serving 513 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in 35603, AL are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 35603, AL are Priceville Elementary School, Frances Nungester Elementary School and Julian Harris Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 35603 have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Alabama public school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 35603, AL have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Alabama public schools.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Alabama public school average of 50% (majority Black).
Best 35603, AL Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Priceville Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
438 Cave Springs Road
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 341-9202
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 341-9202
Gr: PK-4 | 674 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Frances Nungester Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
726 Tammy St Sw
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3079
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3079
Gr: PK-5 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Julian Harris Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1922 Mcauliffe Dr Sw
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3096
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3096
Gr: PK-5 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #44.
Priceville Junior High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
311 Highway 67 South
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 355-5104
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 355-5104
Gr: 5-8 | 483 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Priceville High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2650 N Bethel Rd
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 353-1950
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 353-1950
Gr: 9-12 | 506 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #66.
Chestnut Grove Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3205 Cedarhurst Dr Sw
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3092
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3092
Gr: PK-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #77.
Austin Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2715 Danville Rd Sw
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-4622
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-4622
Gr: 6-7 | 727 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 35603, AL?
The top-ranked public schools in 35603, AL include Priceville Elementary School, Frances Nungester Elementary School and Julian Harris Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 35603?
7 public schools are located in 35603.
What percentage of students in 35603 go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in 35603 are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 35603?
35603 public schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Alabama public schools average of 50% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.