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Needs Improvement

#1327 of 1,356 schools in AL

C J Donald Middle School

Middle School · Fairfield City

715 Valley Rd, Fairfield, AL 35064

Enrollment

314

Student-Teacher

24.2:1

Score

3.5

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Fairfield

#4 of 4

public schools

Alabama middle schools

#256 of 262

In district

#4 of 4

Fairfield City

About C J Donald Middle School

C J Donald Middle School is a regular public middle school located in the heart of Fairfield, Alabama, within Jefferson County. The school serves students in grades 6 through 8, with a total enrollment of 314 students and a student-teacher ratio of 24.2:1. C J Donald Middle School is situated in a large suburban area, offering a community feel with easy access to local amenities.

The academic performance of C J Donald Middle School reflects an area with room for improvement, as indicated by the MySchoolScout rating of 2.7 out of 10 and a state ranking of 1297 out of 1360 schools in Alabama, placing it in the 5th percentile. The school's academic score is 2.4 out of 10, with 27% of students proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, and only 2% proficient or above in Math. While these scores highlight areas needing attention, the school is committed to the growth and development of its students.

The surrounding neighborhood, with a median household income of $45,685 and a poverty rate of 23.2%, is a community where many residents are working towards a better future. The area’s median home value is $116,500, and 23% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher. C J Donald Middle School is an integral part of this vibrant suburban community, providing a supportive educational environment for its students.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at C J Donald Middle School is 24.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.1Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.48 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.1Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency27%
Overall Proficiency15%
Expected (poverty-adj.)22%
vs. Expected-7.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
Resources & Environment1.9Significantly Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,338

C J Donald Middle School — Students at C J Donald Middle School score 15% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

84.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 12.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 22.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from AL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
32%
ELA
22%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
2.5%
ELA
27%

* 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: 4.1/10.

How C J Donald Middle School Compares

See how C J Donald Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.5/10
2th percentile in AL
Academic
4.1/10
4.1/10
Growth
4.1/10
Below average
Environment
1.9/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
85%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers

Location

715 Valley Rd, Fairfield, AL 35064

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering C J Donald Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Jones Valley Middle School (rated 5.8/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Birmingham), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Green Acres Middle School (rated 5.2/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Birmingham), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fairfield, see our Fairfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Fairfield High Preparatory School Fairfield 0.2 mi 4.8
Charles A Brown Elementary School Birmingham 0.5 mi 7.9
RESTORATION ACADEMY Fairfield 0.5 mi 6.5
Robinson Primary School Fairfield 1.0 mi 6.8
Wylam Elementary School Birmingham 1.2 mi 7.1
BUILD UP Birmingham 1.4 mi 6.2
Central Park Elementary School Birmingham 1.2 mi 7.3
Green Acres Middle School Birmingham 1.5 mi 5.2
Minor Elementary School Birmingham 1.7 mi 7.4
MT PILGRIM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Fairfield 1.8 mi 4.7
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC ACADEMY Birmingham 1.9 mi 6.3
JacksonOlin High School Birmingham 2.1 mi 4.6
Midfield Elementary School Midfield 2.2 mi 5.4
Jones Valley Middle School Birmingham 2.3 mi 5.8
MIRACLE ACADEMY PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Birmingham 2.5 mi
Glen Oaks Elementary School Fairfield 2.5 mi 6.9
West End Academy Birmingham 2.2 mi 6.7
Richard Arrington Elementary Birmingham 2.3 mi 7.5
Midfield High School Midfield 2.8 mi 5.5
Wenonah High School Birmingham 2.8 mi 4.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 35064 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$48,581

Median Home Value

$119,900

Median Rent

$997/mo

Population

9,929

College Educated

24.7%

Homeownership

59%

Avg Commute

23.4 min

Poverty Rate

30%

Median Age

30.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding C J Donald Middle School has a median household income of $48,581. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $119,900, with a median rent of $997/month. The area has a poverty rate of 30.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Jackson Middle School Jackson, AL 3.7
Moody Junior High School Moody, AL 3.8
Wilkerson Middle School Birmingham, AL 3.1
Smith Middle School Birmingham, AL 4.0
William R Martin Middle School Valley Grande, AL 4.0
White Plains Middle School Anniston, AL 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about C J Donald Middle School

What grades does C J Donald Middle School serve?

C J Donald Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend C J Donald Middle School?

C J Donald Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 314 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at C J Donald Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at C J Donald Middle School is 24.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does C J Donald Middle School rank in AL?

C J Donald Middle School is ranked #1327 out of 1,356 schools in AL.

What is C J Donald Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

C J Donald Middle School has a composite rating of 3.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at C J Donald Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, C J Donald Middle School has 12.3% math proficiency and 22.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is C J Donald Middle School a charter school?

No, C J Donald Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is C J Donald Middle School a Title I school?

No, C J Donald Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for C J Donald Middle School?

84.7% of students at C J Donald Middle School 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

County Safety
Average (506/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
314
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
84.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Jefferson County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Fairfield City
District Enrollment
1,321
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,266
District Rank
#4 of 4

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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