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 (2026)
- 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%)
- 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
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
12%
Black
98%
31%
White
1%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)44.5%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
1%
6%
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
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