James Dawson Elementary School in Huntsville, AL, ranked in the bottom 50% statewide in 2023 with an overall state rank declining from #822 in 2012 to #1145 in 2023, indicating weaker performance over time.
Math proficiency was 5% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 22%, also lower than the state average of 47%; science proficiency ranged from 11% to 19%, below the state average of 38%.
Enrollment rose slightly from 432 students in 2023 to 447 students recently, with a high minority enrollment of 97% and a majority (82%) eligible for free lunch, reflecting significant socioeconomic challenges.
The school serves grades Pre–K through 6 with an enrollment of 447 students and a student–teacher ratio of 20:1, higher than in previous years (e.g., 15:1 in 2020).
James Dawson Elementary is a Title I school in the Huntsville City district, with no virtual instruction offered and participation in the National School Lunch Program under the Community Eligibility Option.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 447 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James Dawson Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
James Dawson Elementary School's student population of 447 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
447 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
James Dawson Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Dawson Elementary School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1145 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
18%
12%
Black
69%
31%
White
6%
50%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Dawson Elementary School's ranking?
James Dawson Elementary School is ranked #1145 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are James Dawson Elementary School often compared to?
James Dawson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Highlands Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend James Dawson Elementary School?
447 students attend James Dawson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of James Dawson Elementary School students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James Dawson Elementary School?
James Dawson Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does James Dawson Elementary School offer ?
James Dawson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Dawson Elementary School part of?
James Dawson Elementary School is part of Huntsville City School District.
School Reviews
Review James Dawson Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
