For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,316 students in Bessemer City School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Alabama.
Public Elementary Schools in Bessemer City School District have an average math proficiency score of 5% (versus the Alabama public elementary school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Alabama public elementary school average of 49% (majority Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (AL)
# Schools
8 Schools
1,080 Schools
# Students
3,121 Students
515,920 Students
# Teachers
151 Teachers
29,146 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
District Rank
Bessemer City School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 145 school districts in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 65% has decreased from 73% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#138 out of 145 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
29%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
47%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
38%

Graduation Rate
65%
88%

Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.39
0.63
# American Indian Students
4 Students
4,587 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
1 Student
7,150 Students
% Asian Students
n/a
2%
# Hispanic Students
634 Students
57,112 Students
% Hispanic Students
20%
11%
# Black Students
2,356 Students
161,465 Students
% Black Students
76%
31%
# White Students
55 Students
263,748 Students
% White Students
2%
51%
# Hawaiian Students
n/a
582 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
71 Students
21,276 Students
% of Two or more races Students
2%
4%
Students by Grade:
# Students in PK Grade:
119
20,227
# Students in K Grade:
244
54,285
# Students in 1st Grade:
260
58,528
# Students in 2nd Grade:
273
57,991
# Students in 3rd Grade:
254
55,161
# Students in 4th Grade:
256
54,229
# Students in 5th Grade:
262
54,176
# Students in 6th Grade:
250
54,851
# Students in 7th Grade:
214
40,400
# Students in 8th Grade:
184
39,777
# Students in 9th Grade:
231
7,285
# Students in 10th Grade:
202
6,720
# Students in 11th Grade:
179
6,390
# Students in 12th Grade:
193
5,900
# Ungraded Students:
-
-
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $15,448 is higher than the state median of $13,006. The school district revenue/student has grown by 25% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $14,357 is higher than the state median of $12,220. The school district spending/student has grown by 26% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$48 MM
$9,671 MM

Spending
$45 MM
$9,086 MM

Revenue / Student (19-20)
$15,448
$13,006

Spending / Student (19-20)
$14,357
$12,220

Best Bessemer City School District Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Westhills Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
710 Glenn Rd
Bessemer, AL 35022
(205) 432-3500
Bessemer, AL 35022
(205) 432-3500
Grades: K-5
| 297 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Abrams Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1200 23rd Street North
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3100
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3100
Grades: PK-5
| 217 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Greenwood Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5012 Roselyn Road Southeast
Bessemer, AL 35022
(205) 432-3201
Bessemer, AL 35022
(205) 432-3201
Grades: K-5
| 295 students
Rank: #44.
Jonesboro Elementary School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
125 Owen Ave
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3400
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3400
Grades: PK-5
| 509 students
Rank: #55.
Bessemer City Middle School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
100 High School Drive
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3601
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3601
Grades: 6-8
| 648 students
Rank: #66.
Charles F Hard Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2801 Arlington Ave
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3300
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3300
Grades: PK-5
| 350 students
Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.

10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.