Robert C Arthur Elementary School in Birmingham, AL closed in 2015 after serving grades K–5, with enrollment around 429 students and a student–teacher ratio of 16:1 in its final operational years.
The school's state ranking declined from #1052 in 2010 to #922 in 2011 before closure, indicating a downward trend prior to shutting.
Math proficiency fell sharply from 67% in 2012 to 9% in 2023, remaining consistently lower than the Alabama state average, which ranged between 29% and 82% during those years.
Reading proficiency declined from 79% in 2011 to 22% in 2022, consistently lower than the state average of approximately 46% in recent years.
Minority and socioeconomic data indicated that free lunch eligibility fluctuated between 34% and 75% before closure, but no data were recorded after 2015.
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students (10-11)
429 students
Total Classroom Teachers (10-11)
27 teachers
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(10-11)80%
80%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(10-11)79%
85%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
17:1
American Indian
(10-11)n/a
1%
Asian
(10-11)n/a
2%
Hispanic
(10-11)3%
4%
Black
(10-11)94%
35%
White
(10-11)3%
58%
Hawaiian
(10-11)n/a
n/a
Two or more races
(10-11)n/a
n/a
Eligible for Free Lunch (10-11)
49%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 80% AL state average), while 79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 85% AL state average).
How many students attend Robert C Arthur Elementary School?
429 students attend Robert C Arthur Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Robert C Arthur Elementary School students are Black, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are White.
What grades does Robert C Arthur Elementary School offer ?
Robert C Arthur Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Robert C Arthur Elementary School part of?
Robert C Arthur Elementary School is part of Birmingham City School District.
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child’s school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.
