Gardendale Elementary School ranked in the top 30% of Alabama public schools overall in 2023, improving from #402 in 2021 to #296 in 2023 in state rankings for this Union County NJ high school equivalent.
In 2023, math proficiency was 40%, higher than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 57%, also higher than the Alabama state average of 47%, though science proficiency ranged 40–44%, approximately equal to the state average of 38%.
Enrollment was 679 students in grades PK–5 with a student–teacher ratio of 20:1; minority enrollment constituted 50% of the student body, consistent with a diverse population trend placing the school among Alabama's most diverse elementary schools.
The percentage of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch rose to 47% in 2023, indicating an increase in socioeconomic need compared to prior years when eligibility was lower.
Math proficiency declined from highs above 90% in 2012–2013 to 40% in 2023, signaling a downward trend in math scores despite improvement relative to the state average.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 700 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Gardendale Elementary School's student population of 700 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
700 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Motto
Kindness is contagious. Awesomeness is a choice.
School Rankings
Gardendale Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Gardendale Elementary School is 0.63, 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
#296 out of 1275 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
8%
12%
Black
36%
31%
White
49%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)11.6%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gardendale Elementary School's ranking?
Gardendale Elementary School is ranked #296 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Gardendale Elementary School often compared to?
Gardendale Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Snow Rogers Elementary School, Bryan Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Gardendale Elementary School?
700 students attend Gardendale Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Gardendale Elementary School students are White, 36% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Gardendale Elementary School?
Gardendale Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Gardendale Elementary School offer ?
Gardendale Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Gardendale Elementary School part of?
Gardendale Elementary School is part of Jefferson County School District.
School Calendar
View the Gardendale Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
First Day of School for Students
August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
Columbus Day (Schools Closed)
October 12, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Holidays (Schools Closed)
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Holidays (Schools Closed)
November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
School Reviews
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