Very Good
#377 of 1,356 schools in AL
Top 28% in state
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School
Elementary School · Alexander City
851 Laurel St, Alexander City, AL 35010
Enrollment
428
Student-Teacher
20.4:1
Score
7.5
Grades
3rd – 4th
Enrollment
428
Student-Teacher
20.4:1
Score
7.5
Grades
3rd – 4th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Alexander City
#2 of 5
public schools
Alabama elementary schools
#332 of 696
In district
#2 of 5
Alexander City
Academic growth
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School
Nathaniel H. Stephens Elementary School is a public elementary school in Alexander City, Alabama, serving students in grades 3 and 4. With an enrollment of 428 students and 21 full-time teachers, the school operates at a student-teacher ratio of 20.4 to 1, meaning classrooms are moderately sized for an elementary setting.
Academically, Stephens Elementary sits in the middle of the pack statewide, ranking 649th out of 1,330 Alabama schools and landing in the 51st percentile — a sign that performance is right around average for the state. Reading and ELA show more encouraging results, with 55% of students scoring proficient or above, while math proficiency sits at 29%, indicating meaningful room for growth in that area. Families focused on math development may want to ask the school about support resources and intervention programs available to students.
The school is located in the town of Alexander City within Tallapoosa County, a small community with a median household income of around $48,744 and a poverty rate of approximately 19%. The surrounding ZIP code of 35010 is home to nearly 20,000 residents, giving Stephens Elementary a genuine small-town feel where school and community life tend to be closely connected. For families living in or relocating to Alexander City, this school represents a neighborhood-rooted option for the critical third- and fourth-grade years.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School is 20.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
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Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School — Students at Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
53.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AL ACAP (2023-24)
Based on 7 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: 9.6/10.
How Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School Compares
See how Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 38% (2019) to 30% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 36% (2019) to 46% (2022).
Location
851 Laurel St, Alexander City, AL 35010
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Indian Valley Elementary School (rated 9.0/10, 23.1 miles away, in nearby Sylacauga), which scores notably higher. Another option is Jim Pearson Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Dadeville Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 14.3 miles away, in nearby Dadeville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Alexander City, see our Alexander City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 23.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35010 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$48,744
Median Home Value
$129,500
Median Rent
$702/mo
Population
19,619
College Educated
17.7%
Homeownership
69.5%
Avg Commute
22.2 min
Poverty Rate
18.9%
Median Age
42.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School has a median household income of $48,744. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $129,500, with a median rent of $702/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.9%. The average commute for residents is 22 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 |
| Cottondale Elementary School Cottondale, 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School
What grades does Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School serve?
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School serves students in grades 3rd through 4th.
How many students attend Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School?
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 428 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School is 20.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School rank in AL?
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School is ranked #377 out of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Nathaniel H Stephens 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 Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School has 29.0% math proficiency and 54.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School a charter school?
No, Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School?
53.7% of students at Nathaniel H Stephens 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 3rd – 4th
- Enrollment
- 428
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 53.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Tallapoosa County
- Phone
- (256) 234-8631
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Alexander City- District Enrollment
- 2,849
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,834
- District Rank
- #2 of 5
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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