Shades Cahaba Elementary School, a Birmingham public school serving grades K–5, ranked #43 in Alabama in 2023, improving from #81 in 2021 but declining from a peak rank of #20 in 2013.
Math proficiency was 68% in 2023, higher than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency reached 77%, also higher than the state average of 47%; science proficiency ranged from 55–59%, above the state average of 38%.
Enrollment held steady at approximately 510 students in 2023, with minority enrollment at 27% and 21% of students eligible for free lunch, reflecting a modest increase in socioeconomic need since 2022.
The school maintained a student–teacher ratio of 15:1 in 2023, consistent with prior years, supporting an active staff of 34 teachers instructionally serving the student body.
Shades Cahaba participates in the National School Lunch Program and achieved Blue Ribbon recognition in 2015, underscoring its academic and community standing within the Homewood City education agency.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 510 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 68% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 77% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Birmingham area, with students typically residing within a 5-10 min. drive, averaging 0.9 mi. and extending to 1.7 mi. max.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Shades Cahaba Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Shades Cahaba Elementary School's student population of 510 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
510 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Shades Cahaba Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shades Cahaba Elementary School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#43 out of 1275 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
9%
11%
Black
10%
32%
White
73%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shades Cahaba Elementary School's ranking?
Shades Cahaba Elementary School is ranked #43 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Shades Cahaba Elementary School often compared to?
Shades Cahaba Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Edgewood Elementary School, Hall Kent Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
68% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 77% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Shades Cahaba Elementary School?
510 students attend Shades Cahaba Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Shades Cahaba Elementary School students are White, 10% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shades Cahaba Elementary School?
Shades Cahaba Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Shades Cahaba Elementary School offer ?
Shades Cahaba Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shades Cahaba Elementary School part of?
Shades Cahaba Elementary School is part of Homewood City School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
shades cahaba is a great school. you should so go there. it has expos plays and great teachers. I am shouting out to the music teacher.
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