The top reported proficiency rate is 71% in English language arts. The lowest is 43% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Pelham Oaks
Pelham Oaks is a regular public elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Pelham, a suburban city in Shelby County roughly a short drive south of downtown Birmingham along the I-65 corridor. The school is part of the Pelham City district, which covers this single growing community. Pelham has retained a small-town feel even as commercial development has spread along the major highways, and its residential neighborhoods sit in the foothills of Oak Mountain. The city has seen steady population growth in recent decades, and its economy draws from healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality. The built environment is largely auto-oriented, with a greenway trail providing one pedestrian and recreational spine but limited overall walkability.
The school enrolls several hundred students across its grade span, with the largest groups in kindergarten through fifth grade and a small pre-K program. The student body is diverse. About half the students are white, roughly a quarter are Hispanic, and close to one-fifth are Black, with smaller shares of Asian students and students identifying as two or more races. More than half of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a substantial share that signals a mix of household incomes. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available from the state source used.
Academically, Pelham Oaks participates in the Alabama ACAP assessments for grades three through five. The school’s performance across tested subjects and grades, when combined into a single proficiency index, sits below the midpoint among the three districts in Shelby County. A direct comparison across county districts is limited by the small number of districts, but the measure is still a relevant reference for a family looking at this region.
Looking at individual subjects, reading and language arts results are a clear strength. In third, fourth, and fifth grade, a strong majority of students scored at or above the proficient level, with each grade posting a rate in the comfortably above half range. The fourth-grade result was higher still. Science is tested only in fourth grade; a moderate share of students reached proficiency. Math results are softer. In third grade, below half of students were proficient, and the fourth-grade math rate was at the halfway mark. Fifth-grade math was the lowest of the three subjects, where under half of students met the proficiency bar. This pattern is not unusual in elementary schools where literacy skills often outpace math, but a parent may want to ask the school how math instruction is structured and what support is available for students who are not yet on track.
Because Pelham Oaks serves only through fifth grade, there is no graduation rate to report, and no chronic absenteeism data was included in the available records. No information was provided about discipline, course access, staffing ratios, or specific programs such as gifted education, art, music, or before- and after-school care. A parent looking for those details should check the school’s website or call the office directly.
Housing in the school’s zip code is priced above the state average, reflecting the suburban Birmingham market. The estimated monthly mortgage cost, at a typical interest rate, runs above the national average, and rents are moderate relative to income for the area. This context matters for families weighing home affordability against school options.
No recent district-level changes of lasting impact were found in the search for Pelham City; the district brief turned up little, which may indicate a period of stability or simply a lack of publicly reported news. Pelham itself continues to develop, with Oak Mountain State Park, the Pelham Civic Complex, and recreational amenities serving as community anchors.
For a family evaluating Pelham Oaks, the picture is a mid-sized elementary school in a growing suburban community with a diverse student population and a notable economic mix. The school’s English language arts outcomes are solid, while math results suggest room for growth. Parents whose children need stronger math support may want to explore what interventions are in place. The lack of program data means a direct inquiry to the school is necessary for families who prioritize enrichment offerings or specialized services. Overall, Pelham Oaks reflects the character of its city: suburban, expanding, and with a student body that looks like the community around it.
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