The top reported proficiency rate is 43% in English language arts. The lowest is 21% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Bankscaddell Elementary School
BanksCaddell Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Decatur, Alabama, as part of the Decatur City school district. It is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet, and sits in a mid-sized river city that blends industrial manufacturing with residential neighborhoods. Decatur’s economy centers on employers in aerospace, chemicals, and heavy manufacturing, and the city has experienced modest population growth over recent decades, though it has been eclipsed economically by nearby Huntsville. Housing in the area is moderately priced relative to national benchmarks, and the local rental market is comparable to the cost of owning, which may be relevant for families considering moving into the attendance zone.
The school enrolls a modest number of students across the elementary grades. The student body is diverse: a majority identify as Hispanic, a substantial share as Black, a smaller segment as White, and a notable portion as two or more races. A very high share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that the school serves a population with significant economic need. Information about the percentage of students receiving special education services or classified as English learners was not provided, so a parent may wish to ask the school directly about those support structures.
Academically, the state assessment results from the 2024-25 school year offer a snapshot of student performance. In mathematics, the proportion of students meeting proficiency fell below a third across grades three through five, and the numbers declined from third to fifth grade. In English language arts, proficiency was somewhat higher, approaching half of students tested, but still short of a majority. In science, only fourth graders are tested, and the proficiency rate was similarly low. Because only a single year of data is available, there is no way to see whether these results represent a change or a consistent pattern. When compared with other districts in Morgan County, BanksCaddell’s combined proficiency across all tested subjects and grades is the lowest in that three-district grouping. A parent looking at these numbers would want to understand what academic interventions and supports the school offers, especially in math and science, and how the school addresses the learning needs of its students.
The school’s grade span from pre-K through fifth grade means there is no graduation rate, chronic absenteeism data, or high school course access to consider. No information was available about discipline rates, staffing ratios, or program offerings such as gifted education or after-school enrichment. The district itself did not have any recent major changes reported in available sources, so the current school and district leadership appear to be in a stable operational state.
For a family evaluating this school, the context is straightforward. BanksCaddell is an elementary school in a working-class, industrial city where many students come from lower-income households. Its academic results, particularly in math and science, are well below state norms and the lowest in its county among the few districts there. A parent considering this school should seek direct conversations with the principal and teachers about how the school is working to raise achievement, what targeted support exists for struggling students, and what the school’s improvement plan looks like. The school’s diversity and the presence of pre-K are features that some families may value, but the core academic picture is one that calls for careful inquiry before making a placement decision.
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