Frances Nungester Elementary School, a Decatur, AL public school serving grades PK–5, ranked #278 in Alabama in 2023, improving from #541 in 2019 but declining from a peak rank of #170 in 2013.
Math proficiency remained strong at 40–44% in 2023, higher than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 55–59%, also higher than the state average of 47%; science proficiency ranged from 40–49%, higher than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment held steady near 399 students in 2023 with 79% minority enrollment, including 44% Black (not Hispanic) and 28% Hispanic students, reflecting stable demographic composition over recent years.
The school had a student–teacher ratio of 19:1 in 2023 with 24 teachers, higher than typical ratios in comparable Decatur schools; 77% of students were eligible for free lunch, indicating a significant low–income student population.
Graduation rates consistently exceeded the Alabama state average, with 92% in 2023 compared to the state's 88%, demonstrating relatively strong student completion outcomes for a Union County NJ high school.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 428 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Decatur residents, most students reside within a 5-10 minute drive (average 2.4 mi., with a maximum distance of 4.4 mi.).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Frances Nungester Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Frances Nungester Elementary School's student population of 428 students has grown by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
428 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Frances Nungester Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Frances Nungester Elementary School is 0.68, which is more 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
#278 out of 1275 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
27%
12%
Black
47%
31%
White
16%
50%
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)9.1%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Frances Nungester Elementary School's ranking?
Frances Nungester Elementary School is ranked #278 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Frances Nungester Elementary School often compared to?
Frances Nungester Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Chestnut Grove Elementary School, Julian Harris Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Frances Nungester Elementary School?
428 students attend Frances Nungester Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Frances Nungester Elementary School students are Black, 27% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Frances Nungester Elementary School?
Frances Nungester Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Frances Nungester Elementary School offer ?
Frances Nungester Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Frances Nungester Elementary School part of?
Frances Nungester Elementary School is part of Decatur City School District.
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