Westhills Elementary School in Bessemer, AL, ranked #971 in the state in 2023, showing a decline from #172 in 2012 and fluctuating within the bottom 50% of Alabama schools over recent years.
Math proficiency ranged between 10–14%, reading proficiency between 25–29%, and science proficiency was 10% or lower, all lower than the Alabama state averages.
Enrollment decreased to 297 students with a student–teacher ratio of 17:1; the school serves grades Kindergarten through 5 with a 98% minority enrollment and 75% of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch.
Graduation rates remained below the state average, at 71% in 2023 compared to the state average of 88%, consistent with district trends.
Westhills Elementary operates as a Title I eligible school without virtual instruction options and participates in the National School Lunch Program under the Community Eligibility Option.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 277 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Westhills Elementary School serves the west part of Bessemer, AL, covering an attendance area of approximately 16.4 square miles. Families can typically expect a short drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 7.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Westhills Elementary School's student population of 277 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
277 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Westhills 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 Westhills Elementary School is 0.27, 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
#971 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Hispanic
12%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Black
85%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
White
2%
50%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.9%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
Showing 2012–2024. View full 26-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Westhills Elementary School's ranking?
Westhills Elementary School is ranked #971 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Westhills Elementary School often compared to?
Westhills Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Abrams Elementary School, Charles F Hard Elementary School, Greenwood Elementary School by visitors of our site.
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 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Westhills Elementary School?
277 students attend Westhills Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Westhills Elementary School students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Westhills Elementary School?
Westhills Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Westhills Elementary School offer ?
Westhills Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Westhills Elementary School part of?
Westhills Elementary School is part of Bessemer City School District.
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