Very Good
#400 of 1,356 schools in AL
Top 29% in state
Cottondale Elementary School
Elementary School · Tuscaloosa County
2301 Cottondale Ln, Cottondale, AL 35453
Enrollment
447
Student-Teacher
17.2:1
Score
7.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
447
Student-Teacher
17.2:1
Score
7.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cottondale
#1 of 4
public schools
Alabama elementary schools
#354 of 696
In district
#11 of 35
Tuscaloosa County
Academic growth
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Cottondale Elementary School
Cottondale Elementary School is a public elementary school located in the charming suburb of Cottondale, Alabama. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, the school has an enrollment of 447 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17.2:1, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention. With 26 full-time equivalent teachers, the school focuses on fostering a supportive learning environment.
Cottondale Elementary School's academic performance is currently in the middle range, with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and a state ranking of 44th percentile. The school is working diligently to improve its academic scores, which currently stand at 5.0 out of 10. In reading and ELA, 37% of students are proficient or above, while 22% are proficient in math.
While these scores indicate room for growth, the school is committed to enhancing student development and academic achievement. The neighborhood around Cottondale Elementary is a mid-size suburb with a median household income of $69,949 and a median home value of $164,400. The area has a low poverty rate of 13.6%, and 17% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
The community is close-knit and supportive, creating a nurturing environment for students and families alike.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Cottondale Elementary School — Students at Cottondale Elementary School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
67.1%
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: 9.0/10.
How Cottondale Elementary School Compares
See how Cottondale Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 22% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 32% (2019) to 37% (2022).
Location
2301 Cottondale Ln, Cottondale, AL 35453
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cottondale Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 4.4 miles away, in nearby Tuscaloosa), which scores slightly higher. Another option is The Alberta School of Performing Arts (rated 7.9/10, 3.1 miles away, in nearby Tuscaloosa), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Woodland Forrest Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Tuscaloosa), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Cottondale, see our Cottondale schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35453 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,162
Median Home Value
$190,300
Median Rent
$969/mo
Population
12,522
College Educated
15.8%
Homeownership
84.4%
Avg Commute
27.4 min
Poverty Rate
13.6%
Median Age
38
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cottondale Elementary School has a median household income of $70,162. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $190,300, with a median rent of $969/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.6%. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| Blossomwood Elementary School Huntsville, AL | 7.5 |
| Christian School Birmingham, AL | 7.5 |
| Crestline Elementary School Hartselle, AL | 7.5 |
| De Armanville Elementary School De Armanville, AL | 7.5 |
| Dozier Elementary School Montgomery, AL | 7.5 |
| Eva School Eva, AL | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cottondale Elementary School
What grades does Cottondale Elementary School serve?
Cottondale Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Cottondale Elementary School?
Cottondale Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 447 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cottondale Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Cottondale Elementary School is 17.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cottondale Elementary School rank in AL?
Cottondale Elementary School is ranked #400 out of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is Cottondale Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cottondale Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.5 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 Cottondale Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cottondale Elementary School has 23.7% math proficiency and 51.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Cottondale Elementary School a charter school?
No, Cottondale Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cottondale Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Cottondale Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cottondale Elementary School?
67.1% of students at Cottondale 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 447
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 67.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Tuscaloosa County
- Phone
- (205) 342-2642
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Tuscaloosa County- District Enrollment
- 19,228
- Schools in District
- 36
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,564
- District Rank
- #11 of 35
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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