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
Enrollment
314
Student-Teacher
24.2:1
Score
3.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
84.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 2.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 22% (2019) to 27% (2022).
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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (205) 783-6823
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Fairfield City- District Enrollment
- 1,321
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,266
- District Rank
- #4 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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