Central Elementary School ranked in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools overall from 2012 to 2023, declining from #907 in 2017 to #1194 in both 2022 and 2023.
Math proficiency remained very low at 5% in 2023, significantly lower than the state average of 30%, with reading proficiency between 15–19%, also lower than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency at 10%, lower than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment decreased steadily from 380 students in 2008 to 181 students in 2023, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased from 67% in 2018 to 95% in 2023, indicating a rise in socioeconomic need.
The school served grades prekindergarten through 5 with 181 students enrolled in 2023 and maintained a student–teacher ratio of 16:1, which ranked among the lowest 5% in Alabama for student attention.
Minority enrollment was 97% in 2023, predominantly Black students (173 of 181), reflecting limited racial diversity at this Lowndes County Alabama elementary school.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 200 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Central Elementary School serves the western part of Hayneville, AL, encompassing an area of approximately 253.2 square miles, with typical drive times ranging from 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school and an average distance of 15.5 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone. The furthest point within the zone is about 17.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Central Elementary School's student population of 200 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 8 teachers has declined by 42% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
200 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Central Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Central Elementary School is 0.04, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1194 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Hispanic
1%
12%
Black
98%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
White
1%
50%
Showing 2009–2025. View full 36-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2012–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)44.5%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
1%
6%
Showing 2002–2011. View full 13-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Elementary School's ranking?
Central Elementary School is ranked #1194 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
200 students attend Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Central Elementary School students are Black, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Central Elementary School offer ?
Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Central Elementary School part of?
Central Elementary School is part of Lowndes County School District.
School Reviews
Review Central Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
