Average
#704 of 1,356 schools in AL
Charles F Hard Elementary School
Elementary School · Bessemer City
2801 Arlington Ave, Bessemer, AL 35020
Enrollment
350
Student-Teacher
21.9:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
350
Student-Teacher
21.9:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Alabama schools
#704 of 1,356
In Bessemer
#5 of 12
public schools
In district
#2 of 7
Bessemer City
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Charles F Hard Elementary School
Elementary School in Bessemer · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Abrams Elementary School
1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School
1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Charles F Hard Elementary School
Charles F Hard Elementary School is a public elementary school in Bessemer, AL, part of Bessemer City. Charles F Hard Elementary School serves approximately 350 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 21.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Charles F Hard Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks #704 of 1,356 schools in AL.
Structured state assessment records for Charles F Hard Elementary School show 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.3 · Average
- District avg 5.7
- AL avg 7.4
What Parents Should Know
Charles F Hard Elementary School runs 21.9:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Charles F Hard Elementary School — Students at Charles F Hard Elementary School score 36% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
84.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AL ACAP (2023-24)
Based on 30 test records from AL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 6.9/10.
How Charles F Hard Elementary School Compares
See how Charles F Hard Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
2801 Arlington Ave, Bessemer, AL 35020
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Charles F Hard Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Oxmoor K5 (rated 8.4/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Birmingham), which scores notably higher. Another option is Abrams Elementary School (rated 6.7/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Hueytown Intermediate School (rated 6.3/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Hueytown), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Bessemer, see our Bessemer schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Abrams Elementary School Bessemer | 1.1 mi | 6.7 |
| Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School Bessemer | 1.3 mi | — |
| NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Bessemer | 1.2 mi | 4.5 |
| Lipscomb Elementary School Lipscomb | 1.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Jonesboro Elementary School Bessemer | 2.4 mi | 4.2 |
| Brighton School Brighton | 2.5 mi | 5.6 |
| Rutledge School Midfield | 2.7 mi | 3.8 |
| Midfield High School Midfield | 3.2 mi | 4.9 |
| DUNNAMS PRIVATE SCHOOL Bessemer | 3.1 mi | — |
| Westhills Elementary School Bessemer | 3.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Glen Oaks Elementary School Fairfield | 3.5 mi | 4.5 |
| Hueytown Middle School Hueytown | 3.3 mi | 3.4 |
| Midfield Elementary School Midfield | 3.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Hueytown Intermediate School Hueytown | 3.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Bessemer City Middle School Bessemer | 3.8 mi | 3.3 |
| MT PILGRIM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Fairfield | 4.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Hueytown Primary School Hueytown | 3.9 mi | 6.1 |
| Oxmoor K5 Birmingham | 4.0 mi | 8.4 |
| MIRACLE ACADEMY PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Birmingham | 4.4 mi | — |
| Bessemer City High School Bessemer | 4.3 mi | 3.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35020 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$33,247
Median Home Value
$90,900
Median Rent
$856/mo
Population
25,308
College Educated
9.9%
Homeownership
56.2%
Avg Commute
23.8 min
Poverty Rate
34.9%
Median Age
40.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Carlisle Elementary School Boaz, AL | 6.3 |
| Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School Alexander City, AL | 6.3 |
| Southern Choctaw Elementary School Gilbertown, AL | 6.3 |
| Arcadia Elementary School Tuscaloosa, AL | 6.2 |
| Central Park Elementary School Birmingham, AL | 6.2 |
| Concord Elementary School Bessemer, AL | 6.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Charles F Hard Elementary School
What grades does Charles F Hard Elementary School serve?
Charles F Hard Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Charles F Hard Elementary School?
Charles F Hard Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 350 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Charles F Hard Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Charles F Hard Elementary School is 21.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Charles F Hard Elementary School rank in AL?
Charles F Hard Elementary School ranks #704 of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is Charles F Hard Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Charles F Hard Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 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 Charles F Hard Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Charles F Hard Elementary School has 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Charles F Hard Elementary School a charter school?
No, Charles F Hard Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Charles F Hard Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Charles F Hard Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Charles F Hard Elementary School?
84.9% of students at Charles F Hard Elementary 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 350
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 16
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 84.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Jefferson County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 9.7%
- Phone
- (205) 432-3300
Resources & Links
District
Bessemer City- District Enrollment
- 3,121
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,437
- District Rank
- #2 of 7
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