Best 35603 Alabama Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,603 students in 35603, AL (there are 3 private schools, serving 553 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in 35603, AL are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 35603, AL are Priceville Elementary School, Frances Nungester Elementary School and Julian Harris Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 35603 have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Alabama public school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 35603, AL have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Alabama public schools.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Alabama public school average of 50% (majority Black).

Best 35603, AL Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Priceville Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
438 Cave Springs Road
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 341-9202
Gr: PK-4 | 674 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Frances Nungester Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
726 Tammy St Sw
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3079
Gr: PK-5 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Julian Harris Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1922 Mcauliffe Dr Sw
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3096
Gr: PK-5 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #44.
Priceville Junior High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
311 Highway 67 South
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 355-5104
Gr: 5-8 | 483 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Priceville High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2650 N Bethel Rd
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 353-1950
Gr: 9-12 | 506 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #66.
Chestnut Grove Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
3205 Cedarhurst Dr Sw
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-3092
Gr: PK-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #77.
Austin Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2715 Danville Rd Sw
Decatur, AL 35603
(256) 552-4622
Gr: 6-7 | 727 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 35603, AL?
How many public schools are located in 35603?
7 public schools are located in 35603.
What percentage of students in 35603 go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in 35603 are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 35603?
35603 public schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Alabama public schools average of 50% (majority Black).

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