Mcdonnell Elementary School vs. Ridgecrest Elementary School

Mcdonnell Elementary School ranked #971 in Alabama in 2023, showing a slight improvement from #1030 in 2022, but remaining in the bottom half statewide among Union County NJ high schools.

Math proficiency ranged from 10–14%, reading proficiency from 25–29%, and science proficiency from 6–9%, all lower than the Alabama state averages in recent reporting years.

Enrollment was 445 students from Pre–K through 5th grade, with a student–teacher ratio of 18:1; minority enrollment was approximately 90%, with a high percentage (over 80%) eligible for free or reduced–price lunch.

Between 2015 and 2023, enrollment declined from 625 to around 445 students while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased from 57% to above 80%, indicating socioeconomic shifts at this Huntsville public elementary school.

Ridgecrest Elementary School ranked #1034 in Alabama in 2023, declining from #702 in 2012, placing it in the bottom 50% of state public schools, indicating a downward trend in overall performance.

Math proficiency was 9%, lower than the state average of 30% in 2023, with reading proficiency at 25–29%, lower than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency at 20–24%, lower than the state average of 38%, reflecting ongoing challenges in test scores.

Enrollment remained stable near 506 students in 2023 with a student–teacher ratio of 16:1; minority enrollment was high at 87%, and over 81% of students qualified for free lunch, showing socioeconomic shifts toward higher need populations.

The school serves grades Pre–K through 5th grade as a Title I eligible institution within the Huntsville City education agency, with no virtual instruction offered.

Ridgecrest Elementary is among Alabama's most diverse elementary schools and ranks in the top 20% for the largest percentage of students eligible for free lunch among public schools.