Average
#864 of 1,356 schools in AL
James Dawson Elementary
Elementary School · Huntsville City
5308 Mastin Lake Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
Enrollment
447
Student-Teacher
20.3:1
Score
5.7
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
447
Student-Teacher
20.3:1
Score
5.7
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Alabama schools
#864 of 1,356
In Huntsville
#35 of 47
public schools
In district
#32 of 43
Huntsville City
Shortlisting around James Dawson Elementary?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
James Dawson Elementary
Elementary School in Huntsville · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Academy for Academics Arts Elementary School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Academy for Academics and Arts Middle School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About James Dawson Elementary
James Dawson Elementary is a public elementary school in Huntsville, AL, part of Huntsville City. James Dawson Elementary serves approximately 447 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 20.3:1 student-teacher ratio. James Dawson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #864 of 1,356 schools in AL.
Structured state assessment records for James Dawson Elementary show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.7 · Average
- District avg 6.9
- AL avg 7.4
What Parents Should Know
James Dawson Elementary runs 20.3:1 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.
34% of students at James Dawson Elementary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
James Dawson Elementary — Students at James Dawson Elementary score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
88.8%
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
↑ 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: 6.6/10.
How James Dawson Elementary Compares
See how James Dawson Elementary 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
5308 Mastin Lake Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James Dawson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Academy For Science Foreign Language (rated 8.4/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ISLAMIC ACADEMY OF HUNTSVILLE IAH (rated 8.2/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sonnie Hereford Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 3.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Huntsville, see our Huntsville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35810 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$46,963
Median Home Value
$126,100
Median Rent
$1,097/mo
Population
32,705
College Educated
23.5%
Homeownership
66%
Avg Commute
20 min
Poverty Rate
21.1%
Median Age
36.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ChastangFournier Middle School Mobile, AL | 5.7 |
| Eufaula Elementary School Eufaula, AL | 5.7 |
| Evergreen Elementary School Evergreen, AL | 5.7 |
| Fitzpatrick Elementary School Montgomery, AL | 5.7 |
| Golden Springs Elementary School Anniston, AL | 5.7 |
| Hollingers Island Elementary School Mobile, AL | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James Dawson Elementary
What grades does James Dawson Elementary serve?
James Dawson Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend James Dawson Elementary?
James Dawson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 447 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James Dawson Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at James Dawson Elementary is 20.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James Dawson Elementary rank in AL?
James Dawson Elementary ranks #864 of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is James Dawson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
James Dawson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 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 James Dawson Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, James Dawson Elementary has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is James Dawson Elementary a charter school?
No, James Dawson Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James Dawson Elementary a Title I school?
No, James Dawson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James Dawson Elementary?
88.8% of students at James Dawson Elementary 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 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 447
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 88.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Madison County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 34.0%
- Phone
- (256) 428-7500
Resources & Links
District
Huntsville City- District Enrollment
- 23,649
- Schools in District
- 45
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,146
- District Rank
- #32 of 43
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.