Highland Gardens Elementary School

2801 Willena Ave
Montgomery, AL 36107
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
2/
10
Bottom 50%
Highland Gardens Elementary School ranked in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools overall in 2023, improving slightly from #1131 in 2022 to #1081 in 2023, with consistently low rankings over recent years.
Math proficiency was 10–14%, reading proficiency was 19%, and science proficiency ranged from 15–19%, all lower than the state average in Alabama.
Enrollment was 447 students from prekindergarten through grade 5, with a student–teacher ratio of 17:1 and minority enrollment at 97%, reflecting a high percentage of Black (not Hispanic) and Hispanic students.
The percentage of students eligible for free lunch was 92% in 2023, indicating a predominantly low–income student body, consistent with its Title–I status.
Enrollment has declined from 797 students in 1999 to 447 in 2023, while the student–teacher ratio and free lunch eligibility have fluctuated but remained high over the years at this Montgomery, AL elementary school.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 468 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 97%
  • : Bottom 50% in AL
  • : 10-14% (Btm 50%)
  • : 19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : Highland Gardens Elementary School serves the northwest part of Montgomery, AL, covering an area of approximately 10.7 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 5.7 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education

School Overview

Highland Gardens Elementary School's student population of 468 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
468 students

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

School Rankings

Highland Gardens 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 Highland Gardens Elementary School is 0.52, 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.
This School
State Level (AL)
#1081 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

10-14%
30%

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

19%
47%

Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data

15-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Hispanic
32%
12%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 25-year historical data

Black
62%
31%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data

White
3%
50%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data

Two or more races
3%
4%

Showing 2013–2025. View full 14-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
97%
0.52

Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data

(22-23)
46.2%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
53%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 29-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%

Showing 2012–2024. 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 Highland Gardens Elementary School's ranking?
Highland Gardens Elementary School is ranked #1081 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?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Highland Gardens Elementary School?
468 students attend Highland Gardens Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Highland Gardens Elementary School students are Black, 32% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are White, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland Gardens Elementary School?
Highland Gardens Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Highland Gardens Elementary School offer ?
Highland Gardens Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highland Gardens Elementary School part of?
Highland Gardens Elementary School is part of Montgomery County School District.

School Reviews

Review Highland Gardens 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
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
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?
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.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 468 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 97%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 10-14% (Btm 50%)
  • : 19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : Highland Gardens Elementary School serves the northwest part of Montgomery, AL, covering an area of approximately 10.7 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 5.7 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education

Related School Videos

Quick Links