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Below Average

#1094 of 1,356 schools in AL

Alabama Connections Academy

School · Limestone County

21465 AL Hwy 99, Athens, AL 35614

Virtual

Enrollment

7,245

Score

4.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Alabama schools

#1,094 of 1,356

In Athens

#13 of 14

public schools

In district

#12 of 16

Limestone County

Academic growth

9.5 / 10

Excellent

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Alabama Connections Academy

4.8/10

School in Athens · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

James L Cowart Elementary School

7.0/10

4.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Athens Intermediate School

5.8/10

5.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Alabama Connections Academy

Alabama Connections Academy is a public school in Athens, AL, part of Limestone County. Alabama Connections Academy serves approximately 7,245 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th. Alabama Connections Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,094 of 1,356 schools in AL.

Structured state assessment records for Alabama Connections Academy show 21% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2024).

How it compares1.7 pts below district
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.5
  • AL avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Alabama Connections Academy is a large school: 7,245 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Alabama Connections Academy sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Alabama Connections Academy is a virtual school, so instruction happens mostly online. That flexibility suits some kids and frustrates others; it asks a lot of self-discipline and a steady setup at home. Think about whether your child learns well on their own, and ask how the school keeps students engaged.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.5Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data7
Annual Change-1.2 pts/yr
Data Period2017–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.6Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency67.5% (2024 ACAP)
Reading vs. State Avg-15.3 pts
Overall Proficiency38% (2024 ACAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)45% (model expectation from 2024 ACAP)
vs. Expected-6.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile38th
College Readiness2.7Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate78%
AP Participation1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Per-Pupil Spending$9,240

Alabama Connections Academy — Students at Alabama Connections Academy score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

67.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AL ACAP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 21.0% (multi-year average, 2017-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 50.2% (multi-year average, 2017-2024)
School
State
86.9% (2024 ACAP)

Based on 14 test records from AL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2017
Math
31%
ELA
43%
2018
Math
29%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
29%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
14%
ELA
44%
2021*
Math
14%
ELA
44%
2022
Math
9%
ELA
42%
2024
ELA
67.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.5/10.

How Alabama Connections Academy Compares

See how Alabama Connections Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
19th percentile in AL
Academic
5.6/10
Average
Growth
9.5/10
Excellent
Environment
1.0/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.5
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
1% participation·State avg: 2.5 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

21465 AL Hwy 99, Athens, AL 35614

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Alabama Connections Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. ATHENS BIBLE SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 6.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Athens Renaissance School (rated 6.0/10, 6.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, LINDSAY LANE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 5.2/10, 8.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Athens, see our Athens schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.5 mi
School Distance Rating
James L Cowart Elementary School Athens 4.6 mi 7.0
Athens Intermediate School Athens 5.1 mi 5.8
Athens Elementary School Athens 5.2 mi 8.4
Athens Renaissance School Athens 6.0 mi 6.0
Julian Newman Elementary School Athens 6.0 mi 8.3
Athens High School Athens 6.2 mi 4.8
Elkmont High School Elkmont 6.8 mi 4.7
Elkmont Elementary School Elkmont 6.8 mi 8.2
ATHENS BIBLE SCHOOL Athens 6.4 mi 6.6
Athens Middle School Athens 6.5 mi 5.4
Brookhill Elementary School Athens 6.9 mi 8.4
Piney Chapel Elementary School Athens 6.4 mi 8.2
Sugar Creek Elementary School Lester 7.3 mi 8.5
West Limestone High School Lester 7.3 mi 4.8
Blue Springs Elementary School Athens 7.3 mi 7.5
LINDSAY LANE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Athens 8.0 mi 5.2
Tanner High School Tanner 9.4 mi 3.1
Tanner Elementary School Tanner 9.4 mi 7.1
Clements High School Athens 8.7 mi 4.3
THE PINNACLE SCHOOLS - ELK RIVER TREATMENT PROGRAM Elkmont 10.5 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 35614 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$57,296

Median Home Value

$178,200

Median Rent

$1,022/mo

Population

7,157

College Educated

21.4%

Homeownership

75.2%

Avg Commute

31.6 min

Poverty Rate

18.1%

Median Age

41

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Alabama Connections Academy

What grades does Alabama Connections Academy serve?

Alabama Connections Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Alabama Connections Academy?

Alabama Connections Academy has an enrollment of approximately 7,245 students.

How does Alabama Connections Academy rank in AL?

Alabama Connections Academy ranks #1,094 of 1,356 schools in AL.

What is Alabama Connections Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Alabama Connections Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Alabama Connections Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Alabama Connections Academy has 21% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2022) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2024).

Is Alabama Connections Academy a charter school?

No, Alabama Connections Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Alabama Connections Academy a Title I school?

No, Alabama Connections Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Alabama Connections Academy?

67.7% of students at Alabama Connections Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
7,245
Free/Reduced Lunch
67.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Limestone County
4-Year Graduation
78.0%

District

Limestone County
District Enrollment
15,893
Schools in District
17
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,240
District Rank
#12 of 16

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