The top reported proficiency rate is 36% in English language arts. The lowest is 16% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Matthews Elementary School
Matthews Elementary School is a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through fourth grade in Northport, part of the Tuscaloosa County School System. With an enrollment that places it at a mid-sized scale for an elementary school in the area, it draws its students from the surrounding residential neighborhoods of Northport, a city that has seen rapid growth in recent years and is now one of the faster-growing municipalities in Alabama.
The student body is diverse, with a majority of students identifying as Black, a substantial share as Hispanic, and a small number of White students and those of two or more races. A very high proportion of students come from households eligible for free or reduced-price meals, indicating significant economic need. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the source material, so families may wish to inquire directly with the school about those supports.
State assessment results are available for third and fourth graders in math, reading, and science. Across those tested grades and subjects, the share of students meeting the state’s proficiency benchmark was limited, placing Matthews in the bottom quarter when compared against other schools in Tuscaloosa County for which such data is reported. While this represents a soft spot, it is important to remember that the school serves only the early elementary years; testing at these grades captures a snapshot of foundational skills, and a parent may want to discuss with the school what interventions and academic supports are in place.
Because Matthews Elementary stops at fourth grade, there is no graduation rate or secondary-level metric to report. The school’s environment and access data, including chronic absenteeism, discipline rates, and course access, were also absent from the available information. That lack of detail is common for elementary schools in many data systems, but a family researching the school should be aware that those measures are not on record in the source used here.
Northport itself offers a mix of historic downtown amenities and suburban residential streets. The city sits across the Black Warrior River from Tuscaloosa, and many residents commute to the larger city for work. The historic downtown has shops, dining, and art galleries, and the city holds a monthly Art Night event with gallery hours and a bus connection to downtown Tuscaloosa. River Run Park and the Kentuck Arts Center are local anchors, and the city is investing in new development, including a water park and a sports complex, though some of those projects have stirred local debate about noise and land use. Housing in the area is relatively affordable compared to national benchmarks, with home values and rents at modest levels.
For parents considering Matthews Elementary, the picture is one of a school serving a high-need population in a growing suburban community, with academic performance that merits a close look and a conversation with the school about how it addresses learning gaps. The absence of detailed program offerings or enrichment data means that the school’s day-to-day experience will need to be explored through a visit or by speaking with current families.
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