Very Good
#385 of 1,356 schools in AL
Top 28% in state
West Decatur Elementary School
Elementary School · Decatur City
708 Memorial Dr Sw, Decatur, AL 35601
Enrollment
363
Student-Teacher
17.3:1
Score
7.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
363
Student-Teacher
17.3:1
Score
7.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Decatur
#12 of 21
public schools
Alabama elementary schools
#339 of 696
In district
#12 of 18
Decatur City
Academic growth
8.8 / 10
Exceptional
About West Decatur Elementary School
West Decatur Elementary School is a public elementary school in Decatur, Alabama, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 363 students, the school offers a student-teacher ratio of 17.3:1, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning environment. The dedicated staff, consisting of 21 full-time equivalent teachers, focuses on providing quality education despite the challenges reflected in the school’s MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and its state ranking of 1094 out of 1360 schools in Alabama.
Academically, West Decatur Elementary is working on improving proficiency rates, with 22% of students meeting or exceeding standards in English Language Arts and Reading, and 12% in Math. The school is situated in a small city with a diverse community, where the median household income is $46,276, and 18.4% of the population lives below the poverty line. Despite these challenges, the school is committed to fostering a nurturing atmosphere that supports student development and community growth.
West Decatur Elementary is nestled in a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, making it a vital part of the local area’s educational landscape.
Score Breakdown
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West Decatur Elementary School — Students at West Decatur Elementary School score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 19%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
89.8%
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: 8.8/10.
How West Decatur Elementary School Compares
See how West Decatur Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 27% (2019) to 12% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 22% (2019) to 22% (2022).
Location
708 Memorial Dr Sw, Decatur, AL 35601
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Decatur Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Benjamin Davis Elementary School (rated 9.8/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Julian Harris Elementary School (rated 9.3/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Walter Jackson Elementary School (rated 9.0/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Decatur, see our Decatur schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BanksCaddell Elementary School Decatur | 0.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Benjamin Davis Elementary School Decatur | 1.0 mi | 9.8 |
| Austin Junior High School Decatur | 1.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Woodmeade Elementary School Decatur | 1.4 mi | 8.5 |
| Leon Sheffield Magnet Elementary School Decatur | 1.6 mi | 8.4 |
| Decatur Middle School Decatur | 1.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Decatur High School Decatur | 1.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Decatur High Developmental Decatur | 1.5 mi | 7.7 |
| Austinville Elementary School Decatur | 2.1 mi | 8.7 |
| Oak Park Elementary School Decatur | 2.0 mi | 8.2 |
| Walter Jackson Elementary School Decatur | 2.5 mi | 9.0 |
| Julian Harris Elementary School Decatur | 2.6 mi | 9.3 |
| Austin Middle School Decatur | 2.9 mi | 5.7 |
| CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Decatur | 3.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Frances Nungester Elementary School Decatur | 3.5 mi | 8.2 |
| Chestnut Grove Elementary School Decatur | 3.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Eastwood Elementary School Decatur | 3.3 mi | 8.6 |
| DECATUR HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Decatur | 4.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Austin High School Decatur | 3.8 mi | 5.9 |
| ST ANN SCHOOL Decatur | 4.6 mi | 6.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35601 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$50,216
Median Home Value
$148,100
Median Rent
$860/mo
Population
36,008
College Educated
18.3%
Homeownership
57.9%
Avg Commute
20.1 min
Poverty Rate
17.1%
Median Age
37
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Decatur Elementary School has a median household income of $50,216. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $148,100, with a median rent of $860/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.1%. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| Cottondale Elementary School Cottondale, 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 |
| Gaston Elementary School Gadsden, AL | 7.5 |
| Howell Graves Preschool Muscle Shoals, AL | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Decatur Elementary School
What grades does West Decatur Elementary School serve?
West Decatur Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend West Decatur Elementary School?
West Decatur Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 363 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Decatur Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at West Decatur Elementary School is 17.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Decatur Elementary School rank in AL?
West Decatur Elementary School is ranked #385 out of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is West Decatur Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
West Decatur 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 West Decatur Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Decatur Elementary School has 15.5% math proficiency and 39.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Decatur Elementary School a charter school?
No, West Decatur Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Decatur Elementary School a Title I school?
No, West Decatur Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Decatur Elementary School?
89.8% of students at West Decatur 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. City-level (Decatur). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 363
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 89.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Morgan County
- Phone
- (256) 552-3027
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Decatur City- District Enrollment
- 8,665
- Schools in District
- 20
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,832
- District Rank
- #12 of 18
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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