West Decatur Elementary School ranked in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools overall in 2023, with its state ranking declining from #660 in 2013 to #1111 in 2023.
Math proficiency was 6–9%, reading proficiency was 20–24%, and science proficiency was 10% or lower, all lower than the Alabama state averages in recent years.
Enrollment increased from 293 students in 2017 to 363 in 2023, with minority enrollment at 90% and 87% of students eligible for free lunch, showing a steady high level of economic need.
The school served grades PK–5 with 363 students in 2023 and had a student–teacher ratio of 17:1.
As a Title–I eligible school in Decatur, AL, West Decatur Elementary received community eligibility for the National School Lunch Program but did not offer virtual instruction.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 407 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Decatur Elementary School serves the northwest part of Decatur, AL, covering an area of approximately 1.4 square miles. The school is typically a 5-10 minute drive from most homes within the zone, with the furthest distance to the edge being about 1.7 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Decatur Elementary School's student population of 407 students has grown by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has grown by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
407 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
West Decatur 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 West Decatur Elementary School is 0.50, 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
#1111 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)
20-24%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
68%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
19%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
10%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
4%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.1%
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
3%
5%
Showing 2012–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Decatur Elementary School's ranking?
West Decatur Elementary School is ranked #1111 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 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend West Decatur Elementary School?
407 students attend West Decatur Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of West Decatur Elementary School students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 10% of students are White, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Decatur Elementary School?
West Decatur Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does West Decatur Elementary School offer ?
West Decatur Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Decatur Elementary School part of?
West Decatur Elementary School is part of Decatur City School District.
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