Challenger Middle School in Huntsville, AL ranked #406 in the state in 2023, declining from #376 in 2022 and showing a downward trend since 2015 when it ranked #138.
Math proficiency was 28% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 58%, higher than the state average of 47%; science proficiency ranged between 55% and 59%, higher than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment declined from 651 students in 2005 to 428 students in 2023, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased to 41% in 2023, indicating shifting socioeconomic demographics.
Challenger Middle School served grades 6–8 with an enrollment of 428 students and a student–teacher ratio of 16:1 in 2023.
Minority enrollment was 45% in 2023, with notable diversity including Black (25%), Hispanic (11%), Asian/Pacific Islander (3%), and multiracial students (6%).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-9
- Enrollment: 425 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Challenger Middle School serves the southeast part of Huntsville, AL, covering an area of approximately 9.2 square miles. Most students typically experience a 5-10 minute drive to school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 5.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Challenger Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Challenger Middle School's student population of 425 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-9
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
425 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 36-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
Challenger Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Challenger Middle School is 0.65, which is more 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
#406 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Asian
3%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Hispanic
15%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Black
23%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 36-year historical data
White
52%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Two or more races
7%
4%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 13-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)20.5%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
Showing 2013–2024. View full 26-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 Challenger Middle School's ranking?
Challenger Middle School is ranked #406 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Challenger Middle School often compared to?
Challenger Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Buckhorn Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Challenger Middle School?
425 students attend Challenger Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Challenger Middle School students are White, 23% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Challenger Middle School?
Challenger Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Challenger Middle School offer ?
Challenger Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-9 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Challenger Middle School part of?
Challenger Middle School is part of Huntsville City School District.
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