The top reported proficiency rate is 57% in English language arts. The lowest is 31% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Ws Harlan Elementary School
WS Harlan Elementary School is a regular public school in Lockhart, Alabama, serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. It is the only school within the town limits and part of the Covington County school district. Lockhart is a very small, rural community near the Florida state line, originally built around a lumber mill that closed decades ago. The town has seen steady population decline over many years, and its economy is tiny, with only a modest number of local jobs. Housing values are low, and a substantial share of families in the area qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Academically, the school presents a mixed picture. On state assessments administered in the 2024–25 school year, reading and language arts results were generally stronger than math results across the tested grades. In third grade, a majority of students met proficiency in ELA, and performance in the upper elementary grades remained above the midpoint in that subject. Math proficiency was notably lower, especially in the fourth and fifth grades, where fewer than a quarter of students scored at the proficient level. Sixth-grade math showed a modest uptick but still remained below half. Science results, available only for fourth grade, were close to the midpoint. When looking across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency index placed it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Covington County. No multi-year trend data is available, so it is not possible to see whether these results represent a recent change or a longer pattern. A family may want to ask the school about supports in math, particularly for upper elementary students who appear to be struggling more.
The student body is predominantly white, with a smaller share of Black students and a very small number of Hispanic and multiracial students. The share of students from low-income households is high, reflecting the broader economic conditions of Lockhart. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the records reviewed.
Because the school serves only through sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to report. Students moving into middle and high school would attend other schools within the Covington County district, likely outside of Lockhart. The school does not offer advanced coursework or career programs common at the high school level, and information about course access, discipline, and staffing was not present in the available data.
The community context is one of long-term decline. Lockhart has no significant employers, and most residents commute elsewhere for work. The town’s civic anchors are limited to a shared post office and town hall building. There is no public library or public transit identified. Outdoor recreation is accessible at nearby state parks and national forest land, but daily commercial and cultural activity is sparse. A parent considering this school should be aware that it serves a small, low-income, rural population with limited local resources.
The district itself has no recent publicly reported changes that would alter the school’s standing, and no strategic priorities were found in the search.
Who this school fits: families who want a small, neighborhood elementary school in a quiet rural setting, with a strong emphasis on early literacy. The school’s reading results in the early grades are a relative bright spot. Families concerned about math achievement may want to discuss intervention programs directly with the school. Because of the town’s economic decline, families moving into the area may find very affordable housing, but also limited job opportunities and few amenities within walking distance. For those committed to a small-town, low-cost lifestyle and willing to investigate the math support side further, WS Harlan Elementary serves as the local foundation for the early years of schooling.
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