Powderly Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama closed in 2015, ending its operation as a K–5 public school within Birmingham City district.
Before closing, the school showed low performance in math proficiency, consistently at 5%, which was lower than the Alabama state average (approximately 30% in recent years).
Reading proficiency ranged from 5% to 69% over reported years, with most data indicating lower or approximately equal performance compared to the state average near 47%.
Enrollment declined from 379 students in 1999 to zero by 2015, with a student–teacher ratio of about 18:1 in its final years and a high percentage of students eligible for free lunch, peaking over 80%.
The school did not receive Blue Ribbon recognition and had overall state rankings that declined, from #1213 in 2010 to #1033 in 2011 prior to closure.
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students (10-11)
252 students
Total Classroom Teachers (10-11)
14 teachers
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(10-11)75-79%
80%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(10-11)70-74%
85%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
17:1
American Indian
(10-11)n/a
1%
Asian
(10-11)n/a
2%
Hispanic
(10-11)n/a
4%
Black
(10-11)100%
35%
White
(10-11)n/a
58%
Hawaiian
(10-11)n/a
n/a
Two or more races
(10-11)n/a
n/a
Eligible for Free Lunch (10-11)
53%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
2%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
75-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 80% AL state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 85% AL state average).
How many students attend Powderly Elementary School?
252 students attend Powderly Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
100% of Powderly Elementary School students are Black.
What grades does Powderly Elementary School offer ?
Powderly Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Powderly Elementary School part of?
Powderly Elementary School is part of Birmingham City School District.
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