Thompson Elementary School in Gadsden ranked #994 in Alabama in 2023, showing a general downward trend from a peak rank of #730 in 2013 to below the top half of schools in recent years.
Math proficiency was between 6–9%, reading proficiency 30–34%, and science proficiency 20% or lower, all lower than the Alabama state averages of 30%, 47%, and 38% respectively.
Enrollment was 249 students in grades Pre–K through 5 with a student–teacher ratio of 18:1, and minority enrollment was 80%, reflecting a predominantly African American student body of 151 students.
Free lunch eligibility remained very high at 194 students (78%), consistent with long–term economic need, while total enrollment increased slightly from 217 in 2023 to 249 in 2024.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 288 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Thompson Elementary School serves the northeast part of Gadsden, AL, covering an area of approximately 4 square miles. Most students live within a 1.2-mile average distance from the school, with the furthest edge of the zone reaching 2.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Thompson Elementary School's student population of 288 students has grown by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
288 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Thompson 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 Thompson Elementary School is 0.57, 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
#994 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
14%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
Black
62%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
17%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.3%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
Showing 2014–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Titans
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thompson Elementary School's ranking?
Thompson Elementary School is ranked #994 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?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Thompson Elementary School?
288 students attend Thompson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Thompson Elementary School students are Black, 17% of students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thompson Elementary School?
Thompson Elementary School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Thompson Elementary School offer ?
Thompson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Thompson Elementary School part of?
Thompson Elementary School is part of Gadsden City School District.
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