The top reported proficiency rate is 30% in English language arts. The lowest is 10% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Oak Park Elementary School
Oak Park Elementary School is a regular public school in Decatur, Alabama, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of the Decatur City school district. The school has a notably diverse student body, with a student population that draws from several racial and ethnic backgrounds. Hispanic students make up the largest share, followed by Black students and then White students, with a smaller but meaningful number of students who identify as two or more races. The school also serves a student population where a substantial share of families qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a marker of economic need that is high here.
Academically, Oak Park Elementary's state assessment results for the most recent testing year show proficiency rates that are well below the midpoint when compared to other schools in the county's school districts. In both math and English language arts, the share of students meeting state standards is low across the tested grades. In math, proficiency rates in third, fourth, and fifth grade each fall in a tight range well below the county benchmark, and in fifth grade the rate is at its lowest. In English language arts, the pattern is similar but slightly higher, with the fifth-grade rate higher than the third-grade rate, though still far below the county median. Science results for fourth grade also show a low proficiency rate. These numbers represent a single year of data, so there is no trend to compare. A parent or resident evaluating this school may want to look into what supports are in place for students who are not yet meeting benchmarks, and how the school approaches academic intervention.
Because Oak Park is an elementary school, there is no graduation rate or chronic absenteeism data to report—these metrics apply only to high schools. The school's grade span does not include the tested grades for those measures, so their absence is expected.
The school's setting is in the city of Decatur, a mid-sized river city in north Alabama with a strong industrial and manufacturing base. Major employers in the area include aerospace, chemical, and manufacturing firms. The city has a working river port and a mix of older neighborhoods and newer industrial sites. Housing in the area around the school is priced below national averages, making it relatively affordable. Rents are also below the national typical figure. The city has experienced steady but modest population growth over recent decades, and it remains the second-largest city in the Huntsville-Decatur combined area. The Decatur City district, as far as publicly available information shows, has not had any major recent changes that would affect families' day-to-day experience at Oak Park.
For a family considering this school, the picture is one of a high-poverty, diverse elementary school where academic proficiency is a real challenge. The school's demographic composition and economic context suggest that many students may benefit from targeted academic support and enrichment. The community is affordable, and the area's economy is anchored by large employers, though the city itself is car-dependent and spread out. Families who prioritize strong test scores and peer academic environment may find the school's current results a concern. Those who value a diverse student body and are comfortable with a school where a high proportion of students are navigating economic disadvantage may want to learn more about the specific programs and supports Oak Park offers. Without data on staffing, discipline, or special programs, additional information from the school directly would be valuable for a complete picture.
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