The top reported proficiency rate is 49% in English language arts. The lowest is 14% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Woodland Forrest Elementary School
Woodland Forrest Elementary School, a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, sits in a city defined by the University of Alabama's presence, industrial employers like a major Mercedes-Benz plant, and a mix of residential and commercial districts. The school is part of the Tuscaloosa City Schools district. The district itself is in the midst of a significant capital improvement phase, funded by a property tax bond referendum voters approved a few years ago, which includes major renovations and new construction projects such as a new high school building.
The student body is diverse, with a composition that is predominantly Black, and a substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The school is a pre-K-through-fifth-grade institution, so it does not have a high school graduation rate to report. State testing data from the most recent academic year provides the main academic picture, and it shows a varied performance across subjects and grade levels.
In English language arts, proficiency rates among tested grades sit in a range that dips below and rises to around the midpoint. Third graders performed notably better than fourth graders, with a modest share of students meeting proficiency, while fifth graders showed the strongest performance of the three tested grades. In math, the rates were lower, with third and fifth graders achieving proficiency at a rate that was below the state average, and fourth graders at a notably lower level. Science results, available for fourth grade only, were the lowest of the core subjects. Overall, proficiency across tested subjects and grades places the school in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Tuscaloosa County.
A single year of data means there is no trend to examine; these results are a snapshot of the school's current position. A family looking at these numbers will want to know how the school is working to address math and science proficiency, and how the school supports students who may be arriving behind grade level. The enrollment is moderate for a school serving these grades. The available data did not include information on special programs, course access, or staffing, and it also did not include rates for students receiving special education services or English learner services. A parent interested in those support structures would want to ask the school directly about them.
The surrounding housing market reflects the broader Tuscaloosa area, where home values and rents have seen modest increases recently. The cost of buying a home is somewhat below the national benchmark, and the estimated monthly cost of owning is comparable to renting. For a family, this suggests a relatively attainable housing market.
The city of Tuscaloosa itself is an active place. It is a college town with the University of Alabama as its dominant cultural and economic force, but it also holds a regional role in healthcare, industry, and commerce. The downtown area has a canopy of water oaks, and the Black Warrior River runs through the city. The April tornado that struck the city years ago prompted extensive rebuilding and redevelopment, which remains part of the city's contemporary story. The presence of the university, a major medical center, and a manufacturing plant grounds the local economy.
For a family considering Woodland Forrest, the core consideration is the academic profile, which shows room for growth in core subjects, particularly math and science, while English language arts shows more variation by grade. The student body reflects the diverse composition of its community, and the district is investing in its physical infrastructure. A parent would want to learn about the school's academic support strategies, enrichment offerings, and the overall school climate by visiting and talking with the principal.
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