Gwin Elementary School vs Rocky Ridge Elementary School

Gwin Elementary School and Rocky Ridge Elementary School sit 4.0 miles apart in Hoover, Alabama, and both rank among the state's elite elementary programs — but Gwin holds a measurable edge. Gwin Elementary School earns a 9.4/10 overall rating versus Rocky Ridge Elementary School's 9.1/10, a 0.3-point gap that reflects consistent advantages across multiple dimensions. In state rank terms, that gap is more pronounced: Gwin Elementary School places #13 of 1356 schools in Alabama, while Rocky Ridge Elementary School ranks #35 of 1356 — a 22-position difference that puts Gwin in a rarified tier even within Hoover's already strong school system.

On academic achievement, the two schools are nearly identical. Gwin Elementary School scores a 9.1/10 in academics versus Rocky Ridge Elementary School's 9.0/10, a difference too small to drive a decision on its own. Growth tells a more meaningful story: Gwin Elementary School's growth score of 9.4/10 outpaces Rocky Ridge Elementary School's 8.8/10 by 0.6 points, indicating that students at Gwin are advancing faster relative to their starting points. For families prioritizing year-over-year learning momentum alongside raw achievement, Gwin's growth score is the sharper differentiator.

The two schools serve comparable enrollment — Rocky Ridge Elementary School at 541 students versus Gwin Elementary School's 516 — but Gwin offers a slightly lower student-teacher ratio of 12.9:1 compared to Rocky Ridge's 13.5:1. That translates to more instructional attention per student at Gwin. The socioeconomic profiles diverge more noticeably: Gwin Elementary School serves 47% of students on free or reduced-price lunch, while Rocky Ridge Elementary School's rate is 37%, suggesting Rocky Ridge draws from a somewhat more affluent neighborhood catchment. Both schools demonstrate strong outcomes despite different demographic compositions.

Both Gwin Elementary School and Rocky Ridge Elementary School serve grades PK through 5 under Hoover City Schools. No program-level differences were identified between the two schools — the comparison comes down to composite ratings, growth trajectory, and classroom staffing ratios rather than distinct curriculum or specialty offerings.