James L Cowart Elementary School ranked #582 in Alabama in 2023, declining from a peak rank of #177 in 2015 and showing fluctuations in statewide ranking over the past decade.
Math proficiency was 25–29% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 40–44%, also lower than Alabama's 47% average.
Science proficiency stood at 40%, slightly higher than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment increased modestly from 288 students in 2021 to 332 students in 2023, with minority enrollment at 58%, reflecting moderate demographic diversity including 95 Hispanic and 73 Black students.
The school served grades K–3 with 331 students and a student–teacher ratio of 17:1 in 2023; 61% of students qualified for free lunch, indicating significant socioeconomic challenges.
As a Title I eligible school in Athens City, Alabama, James L Cowart Elementary had a 90% graduation rate in 2023, comparable to the state average of 88%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 332 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Athens area neighborhoods, with most students residing within a 5-10 minute drive (average 1.2 mi., furthest 1.9 mi.).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James L Cowart Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
James L Cowart Elementary School's student population of 332 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-3
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
332 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowering all students for lifelong success
School Rankings
James L Cowart Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James L Cowart Elementary School is 0.71, 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
#582 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Hispanic
27%
12%
Black
28%
31%
White
37%
50%
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)20.5%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James L Cowart Elementary School's ranking?
James L Cowart Elementary School is ranked #582 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are James L Cowart Elementary School often compared to?
James L Cowart Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Brookhill Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend James L Cowart Elementary School?
332 students attend James L Cowart Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of James L Cowart Elementary School students are White, 28% of students are Black, 27% of students are Hispanic, and 8% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James L Cowart Elementary School?
James L Cowart Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does James L Cowart Elementary School offer ?
James L Cowart Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-3 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James L Cowart Elementary School part of?
James L Cowart Elementary School is part of Athens City School District.
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