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 (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 468 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: 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)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
468 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1081 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
32%
12%
Black
62%
31%
White
3%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)46.2%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
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.
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