Average
#756 of 1,356 schools in AL
Central School
Elementary School · Madison County
990 Ryland Pike, Huntsville, AL 35811
Enrollment
637
Student-Teacher
16.8:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
637
Student-Teacher
16.8:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Huntsville
#29 of 47
public schools
Alabama elementary schools
#589 of 696
In district
#16 of 28
Madison County
Equity
8.2 / 10
Very strong
About Central School
Central School serves 637 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Huntsville, Alabama, earning recognition as one of the stronger elementary schools in the state. With a ranking of #171 out of 1,360 Alabama schools, placing it in the 88th percentile, the school demonstrates solid academic performance under the guidance of 38 full-time equivalent teachers who maintain a manageable 16.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Academically, Central School shows particular strength in reading and language arts, where 60% of students achieve proficiency or above across grade levels.
Mathematics presents an area with room for growth, with 46% of students reaching proficiency standards. The school's overall MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10 reflects its commitment to providing quality education in the Madison County district. The school draws families from the surrounding 35811 ZIP code area, where the median household income of $81,754 and median home value of $229,500 reflect a stable, middle-class community.
With 34% of area residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a relatively low poverty rate of 12.1%, the neighborhood provides a supportive environment for education. Central School sits in a rural setting near town, offering students a quieter learning environment while maintaining access to Huntsville's resources and opportunities.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Central School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Central School — Students at Central School score 53% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
40.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AL ACAP (2023-24)
Based on 8 test records from AL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 5.8/10.
How Central School Compares
See how Central School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 69% (2019) to 46% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 64% (2019) to 60% (2022).
Location
990 Ryland Pike, Huntsville, AL 35811
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Chapman Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 6.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Martin Luther King Jr Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 6.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mt Carmel Elementary School (rated 7.9/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Huntsville, see our Huntsville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35811 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$92,361
Median Home Value
$249,900
Median Rent
$1,048/mo
Population
29,748
College Educated
35.4%
Homeownership
78.3%
Avg Commute
23.6 min
Poverty Rate
12%
Median Age
37.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central School has a median household income of $92,361. It is an area where 35% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $249,900, with a median rent of $1,048/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.0%. The average commute for residents is 24 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 |
|---|---|
| Dawes Intermediate School Mobile, AL | 6.4 |
| EicholdMertz School of Math and Science Mobile, AL | 6.4 |
| Englewood Elementary School Tuscaloosa, AL | 6.4 |
| Fairview Elementary School Cullman, AL | 6.4 |
| Leeds Primary School Leeds, AL | 6.4 |
| Olive J Dodge Elementary School Mobile, AL | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central School
What grades does Central School serve?
Central School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Central School?
Central School has an enrollment of approximately 637 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central School is 16.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central School rank in AL?
Central School is ranked #756 out of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is Central School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central School has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Central School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central School has 51.0% math proficiency and 72.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central School a charter school?
No, Central School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central School a Title I school?
No, Central School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central School?
40.2% of students at Central 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
- City Safety
- High (2,879/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Huntsville). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 637
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 40.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Madison County
- Phone
- (256) 851-4670
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Madison County- District Enrollment
- 20,639
- Schools in District
- 30
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,905
- District Rank
- #16 of 28
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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