Summary:
The city of Decatur, Alabama is home to 20 schools, including 13 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 4 high schools. The schools in this district serve a diverse student population and exhibit a wide range of academic performance, with some standout schools like Leon Sheffield Magnet Elementary School consistently ranking among the top in the state, while others, such as West Decatur Elementary School and Oak Park Elementary School, struggle with low proficiency rates.
The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance, with the top-performing schools, like Priceville Junior High School, having proficiency rates well above the Decatur City and Alabama averages, while the lowest-performing schools have rates that are significantly below the district and state. These disparities appear to be closely linked to the socioeconomic status of the student population, with schools serving higher percentages of students from low-income families generally performing worse academically.
Despite the challenges faced by some schools, the data also highlights pockets of excellence, such as the success of Leon Sheffield Magnet Elementary School, which suggests that specialized, high-quality programs can help drive student achievement even in a district with otherwise mixed outcomes. Understanding the factors that contribute to the success of the top-performing schools could provide valuable insights for improving educational outcomes across the entire Decatur City district.
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