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Average

#855 of 1,356 schools in AL

Leighton Elementary School

Elementary School · Colbert County

8100 Old Highway 20, Leighton, AL 35646

Enrollment

375

Student-Teacher

15:1

Score

5.7

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Alabama schools

#855 of 1,356

In Leighton

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#7 of 8

Colbert County

School environment

9.1 / 10

Excellent

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Leighton Elementary School

5.7/10

Elementary School in Leighton · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Colbert County High School

5.5/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Hatton Elementary School

7.3/10

4.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Leighton Elementary School

Leighton Elementary School is a public elementary school in Leighton, AL, part of Colbert County. Leighton Elementary School serves approximately 375 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. Leighton Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #855 of 1,356 schools in AL.

Structured state assessment records for Leighton Elementary School show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.6 pts below district
  • This school 5.7 · Average
  • District avg 7.3
  • AL avg 7.4

What Parents Should Know

Leighton Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.0Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-4.67 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.1Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency7.5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency85.3% (2024 ACAP)
Reading vs. State Avg+2.5 pts
Overall Proficiency46% (2024 ACAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)55% (model expectation from 2024 ACAP)
vs. Expected-8.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile44th
Resources & Environment9.1Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,018
Chronic Absenteeism26.1%

Leighton Elementary School — Students at Leighton Elementary School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

48%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AL ACAP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 45.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 50.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
86.9% (2024 ACAP)

Based on 30 test records from AL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2011
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
42%
ELA
32%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
47%
ELA
27%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
32%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
2.5%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
7.5%
ELA
32%
2024
ELA
85.3%

* 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: 4.0/10.

How Leighton Elementary School Compares

See how Leighton Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.7/10
37th percentile in AL
Academic
6.1/10
Average
Growth
4.0/10
Below Average
Environment
9.1/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
48%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
25 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
26.1%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

8100 Old Highway 20, Leighton, AL 35646

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Leighton Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Webster Elementary School (rated 9.7/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Muscle Shoals), which scores notably higher. Another option is Highland Park Elementary School (rated 9.6/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Muscle Shoals), which scores notably higher. Additionally, McBride Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Muscle Shoals), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Leighton, see our Leighton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Colbert County High School Leighton 0.2 mi 5.5
Hatton Elementary School Leighton 4.7 mi 7.3
Webster Elementary School Muscle Shoals 6.9 mi 9.7
Hazlewood Elementary School Town Creek 6.6 mi 5.7
Howell Graves Preschool Muscle Shoals 7.0 mi 7.8
Muscle Shoals High School Muscle Shoals 7.7 mi 5.5
Muscle Shoals Middle School Muscle Shoals 7.9 mi 7.6
McBride Elementary School Muscle Shoals 7.9 mi 8.8
Highland Park Elementary School Muscle Shoals 8.4 mi 9.6
COVENANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Tuscumbia 8.8 mi 6.9
LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Killen 11.2 mi 5.4
Brooks High School Killen 11.2 mi 4.7
Brooks Elementary School Killen 11.5 mi 7.9
Weeden Elementary School Florence 10.8 mi 7.7
Hatton Elementary School Town Creek 11.1 mi 7.4
G W Trenholm Primary School Tuscumbia 9.9 mi 7.8
Hatton High School Town Creek 11.2 mi 5.5
ST JOSEPH REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Florence 10.9 mi 7.0
Deshler Middle School Tuscumbia 10.3 mi 5.8
Colbert Heights High School Tuscumbia 10.3 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 35646 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$58,407

Median Home Value

$114,200

Median Rent

$475/mo

Population

4,005

College Educated

8.3%

Homeownership

85%

Avg Commute

29 min

Poverty Rate

12.1%

Median Age

55.3

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Barbour County Intermediate School Louisville, 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 Leighton Elementary School

What grades does Leighton Elementary School serve?

Leighton Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Leighton Elementary School?

Leighton Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 375 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Leighton Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Leighton Elementary School is 15:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Leighton Elementary School rank in AL?

Leighton Elementary School ranks #855 of 1,356 schools in AL.

What is Leighton Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Leighton Elementary School 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 Leighton Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Leighton Elementary School has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Leighton Elementary School a charter school?

No, Leighton Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Leighton Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Leighton Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Leighton Elementary School?

48.0% of students at Leighton 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
19 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
375
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers (FTE)
25
Free/Reduced Lunch
48.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Colbert County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
26.1%

District

Colbert County
District Enrollment
2,645
Schools in District
8
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,018
District Rank
#7 of 8

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