Cotaco School in Somerville, AL serves 485 students from prekindergarten through 8th grade with a student–teacher ratio of 17:1, which is higher than the state average ratio of 16 to 1.
Math proficiency is 28%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 30% and the Morgan County district average of 30%, showing a decline from highs of over 50% in earlier years.
Reading proficiency at Cotaco School is 50%, higher than the state average of 47% and district average of 47%, with scores increasing from 37% in 2021 to 50% in 2022.
The graduation rate is 50%, significantly lower than the state average of 88% and district average of 87%, remaining steady at this low rate since 2013 except for a peak in 2018.
Minority enrollment is approximately 10%, with the majority of students being White (90%), and the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch has increased to nearly 62% in recent years, indicating a rise in socioeconomic need within this rural Alabama school.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 459 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 13%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Cotaco School serves the northeast part of Somerville, AL, covering an area of approximately 81.3 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 10-15 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 7.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cotaco School's student population of 459 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
459 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Cotaco 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 Cotaco School is 0.24, 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
#492 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)
50%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
1%
2%
Showing 2006–2025. View full 27-year historical data
Hispanic
6%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Black
2%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
White
87%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Two or more races
4%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 13-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)27.2%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
1%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-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 Cotaco School's ranking?
Cotaco School is ranked #492 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
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 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Cotaco School?
459 students attend Cotaco School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Cotaco School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cotaco School?
Cotaco School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Cotaco School offer ?
Cotaco School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cotaco School part of?
Cotaco School is part of Morgan County School District.
School Reviews
Review Cotaco 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.
