Bear Exploration Center

Summary:

Bear Exploration Center is an exceptional elementary school in Montgomery, Alabama, serving over 500 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. Located within the Montgomery County School District, Bear Exploration Center consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state, with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for most of the past decade.

What sets Bear Exploration Center apart is its exceptional academic performance. The school's students significantly outperform their peers in the Montgomery County School District and the state of Alabama on standardized tests, with 84.52% of 3rd-grade students proficient or better in mathematics, compared to just 27.51% in Montgomery County and 42.16% statewide. Bear Exploration Center's diverse student population, with a racial composition of 33.66% White, 53.62% African American, 4.7% Hispanic, and 5.48% Asian, is also noteworthy, as the school has found effective ways to support the learning needs of students from various backgrounds. This is in contrast to many of the nearby schools, such as Davis Elementary School and Nixon Elementary School, which tend to have higher concentrations of African American or Hispanic students.

The exceptional performance of Bear Exploration Center extends beyond just test scores. The school ranks among the top 4-26 elementary schools in Alabama for African American, White, and low-socioeconomic status students, demonstrating its ability to promote equitable educational outcomes. With a relatively low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (17.42% in 2022-2023), Bear Exploration Center stands out as a high-performing outlier within the Montgomery County School District, which is ranked 110 out of 137 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.


Detail:

Public, Magnet K-5

 2525 Churchill Dr
       Montgomery, AL  36111-2899


(334) 284-8014

District: Montgomery County

SchoolDigger Rank:
24th of 684 Alabama Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,121 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  18.2 Help
Number of students:  511

Racial breakdown:

African American:
53.6%
White:
33.7%
Asian:
5.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  17.4% Help


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 Compare Bear Exploration Center to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Bear Exploration Center ranks better than 96.5% of elementary schools in Alabama. It also ranks 2nd among 29 ranked elementary schools in the Montgomery County School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 94.93. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (53.6%), White (33.7%), Asian (5.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 17.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Bear Exploration Center is 18.2. 18 elementary schools in the Montgomery County School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
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Compare Bear Exploration Center employs 28 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Bear Exploration Center is $8,121. 26 elementary schools in the Montgomery County School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Bear Exploration Center:

SchoolDigger ranks Bear Exploration Center 24th of 684 Alabama public elementary schools. (See Bear Exploration Center in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
White students:


Montgomery County:

SchoolDigger ranks Montgomery County 110th of 137 Alabama school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Bear Exploration Center

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Rank History for all students at Bear Exploration Center

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 91.24 25th 623 96.0%
2005 96.01 5th 688 99.3%
2006 90.82 16th 689 97.7%
2007 93.45 6th 698 99.1%
2008 94.10 6th 698 99.1%
2009 95.44 1st 696 99.9%
2010 92.16 8th 704 98.9%
2011 89.47 10th 709 98.6%
2012 87.54 12th 696 98.3%
2013 85.22 9th 696 98.7%
2014 95.14 22nd 695 96.8%
2015 94.33 34th 691 95.1%
2016 94.69 30th 691 95.7%
2017 92.80 45th 688 93.5%
2018 89.87 56th 680 91.8%
2019 89.72 57th 681 91.6%
2021 74.33 143rd 692 79.3%
2022 88.78 61st 687 91.1%
2023 91.87 46th 680 93.2%
2024 94.93 24th 684 96.5%
See the entire list of Alabama Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Bear Exploration Center

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 97.79 6th 567 98.9%
2018 80.73 80th 651 87.7%
2019 92.90 13th 649 98.0%
2021 69.63 161st 653 75.3%
2022 78.94 89th 651 86.3%
2023 93.68 13th 623 97.9%
2024 96.53 9th 670 98.7%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Bear Exploration Center

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 90.52 44th 639 93.1%
2018 87.07 59th 640 90.8%
2019 85.31 67th 646 89.6%
2021 67.15 188th 656 71.3%
2022 86.82 61st 656 90.7%
2023 90.35 51st 645 92.1%
2024 93.43 21st 650 96.8%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Bear Exploration Center

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 92.61 34th 639 94.7%
2018 90.84 48th 650 92.6%
2019 91.01 42nd 650 93.5%
2021 78.89 102nd 669 84.8%
2022 88.30 64th 669 90.4%
2023 91.08 42nd 649 93.5%
2024 93.79 26th 655 96.0%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Bear Exploration Center

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 93.72 14th 336 95.8%
2018 89.04 29th 423 93.1%
2019 91.67 19th 426 95.5%
2021 77.96 55th 426 87.1%
2022 96.30 12th 426 97.2%
2023 98.29 6th 427 98.6%
2024 99.32 4th 420 99.0%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Bear Exploration Center

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 88.93 35th 369 90.5%
2018 86.06 61st 508 88.0%
2019 88.91 48th 529 90.9%
2021 77.33 96th 539 82.2%
2022 87.43 59th 540 89.1%
2023 87.44 54th 528 89.8%
2024 92.73 23rd 535 95.7%
See the entire list of Best Alabama Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Alabama State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Bear Exploration Center Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Alabama State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
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Enrollment information for Bear Exploration Center

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 613 613
1989 330 311 3 4 0 n/a n/a 0 648
1990 278 291 1 4 0 n/a n/a 0 574
1991 239 247 2 3 0 n/a n/a 0 491
1992 222 264 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 486
1993 192 272 1 0 1 n/a n/a 0 466
1994 146 259 3 1 2 n/a n/a 0 411
1995 82 306 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 389
1996 82 306 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 389
1997 208 220 2 13 2 n/a n/a 0 445
1998 218 235 3 9 0 n/a n/a 0 465
1999 214 252 1 7 0 n/a n/a 0 474
2000 197 249 2 2 0 n/a n/a 0 450
2001 199 235 3 3 1 n/a n/a 0 441
2002 208 229 8 1 0 n/a n/a 0 446
2003 208 229 8 1 0 n/a n/a 0 446
2004 237 213 9 5 1 n/a n/a 1 466
2005 266 192 18 5 1 n/a n/a 0 482
2006 299 191 20 4 1 n/a n/a 1 516
2007 329 180 18 4 1 n/a n/a 1 533
2008 347 158 18 3 0 n/a n/a 0 526
2009 359 152 13 4 0 n/a n/a 0 528
2010 394 149 14 8 0 n/a n/a 0 565
2011 399 152 11 6 1 0 0 0 569
2012 386 166 9 5 1 1 2 0 570
2013 344 162 12 6 1 0 3 0 528
2014 348 156 18 7 2 0 8 0 539
2015 368 152 18 12 2 0 9 0 561
2016 291 182 22 9 0 0 13 0 517
2017 264 214 21 14 0 0 7 0 520
2018 242 233 24 15 0 0 5 0 519
2019 253 215 27 21 0 0 12 0 528
2020 236 233 30 21 0 0 12 0 532
2021 211 259 26 23 0 0 5 0 524
2022 188 266 26 25 2 0 4 0 511
2023 172 274 28 24 1 0 12 0 511

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Bear Exploration Center

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 613 30.0 20.4 0
1989 648 32.0 20.2 n/a
1990 574 29.0 19.7 0
1991 491 28.0 17.5 n/a
1992 486 26.0 18.6 n/a
1993 466 23.0 20.3 n/a
1994 411 26.8 15.3 n/a
1995 389 23.5 16.6 n/a
1996 389 23.5 16.6 n/a
1997 445 23.5 18.9 18.9
1998 465 26.7 17.4 20
1999 474 25.0 19.0 26.8
2000 450 22.0 20.5 27.6
2001 441 27.0 16.3 22.7
2002 446 25.0 17.8 24.4
2003 446 25.0 17.8 24.4
2004 466 27.0 17.3 20.2
2005 482 27.0 17.9 18
2006 516 29.0 17.8 17.5
2007 533 28.0 19.0 15.8
2008 526 29.6 17.8 11
2009 528 28.9 18.1 14
2010 565 n/a n/a 13.8
2011 569 26.0 21.8 13.4
2012 570 26.0 21.9 16.8
2013 528 30.0 17.6 16.7
2014 539 29.5 18.2 17.6
2015 561 27.0 20.7 8.9
2016 517 25.0 20.6 10.8
2017 520 26.0 20.0 11.2
2018 519 28.0 18.5 17.5
2019 528 27.0 19.5 17.4
2020 532 28.0 19.0 17.5
2021 524 27.0 19.4 17.6
2022 511 27.0 18.9 17.4
2023 511 28.0 18.2 17.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Bear Exploration Center

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 613 30.0 20.4 0
1989 648 32.0 20.2 n/a
1990 574 29.0 19.7 0
1991 491 28.0 17.5 n/a
1992 486 26.0 18.6 n/a
1993 466 23.0 20.3 n/a
1994 411 26.8 15.3 n/a
1995 389 23.5 16.6 n/a
1996 389 23.5 16.6 n/a
1997 445 23.5 18.9 18.9
1998 465 26.7 17.4 20
1999 474 25.0 19.0 26.8
2000 450 22.0 20.5 27.6
2001 441 27.0 16.3 22.7
2002 446 25.0 17.8 24.4
2003 446 25.0 17.8 24.4
2004 466 27.0 17.3 20.2
2005 482 27.0 17.9 18
2006 516 29.0 17.8 17.5
2007 533 28.0 19.0 15.8
2008 526 29.6 17.8 11
2009 528 28.9 18.1 14
2010 565 n/a n/a 13.8
2011 569 26.0 21.8 13.4
2012 570 26.0 21.9 16.8
2013 528 30.0 17.6 16.7
2014 539 29.5 18.2 17.6
2015 561 27.0 20.7 8.9
2016 517 25.0 20.6 10.8
2017 520 26.0 20.0 11.2
2018 519 28.0 18.5 17.5
2019 528 27.0 19.5 17.4
2020 532 28.0 19.0 17.5
2021 524 27.0 19.4 17.6
2022 511 27.0 18.9 17.4
2023 511 28.0 18.2 17.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Bear Exploration Center

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $648 (8.0%) $7,421 (91.4%) $8,121

Data source: Alabama Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Bear Exploration Center

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 57th of 681 Elementary schoolsRanks 46th of 680 Elementary schools
 1.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Bear Exploration Center)65.964.3
 1.6%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Montgomery County)4422.2
 21.8%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Alabama)57.543.6
 13.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Bear Exploration Center)65.767.4
 1.7%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Montgomery County)3115.1
 15.9%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Alabama)47.334.9
 12.4%
5th Grade Mathematics (Bear Exploration Center)70.245.2
 25%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Montgomery County)28.314.7
 13.6%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Alabama)44.933.9
 10.9%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students528511
 3.2%
African American215274
 27.4%
American Indian01
Asian2728
 3.7%
Hispanic2124
 14.3%
Pacific Islander00
White253172
 32%
Two or More Races1212
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients17.4%17.4%
 0%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Bear Exploration Center

In the 2022-23 school year, 511 students attended Bear Exploration Center.

Students at Bear Exploration Center are 54% African American, 34% White, 5% Asian, 5% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races.

Yes! Bear Exploration Center is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 24th of 684 Alabama elementary schools.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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