Serving 428 students in grades 6-8, Challenger Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 28% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 30%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is higher than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Alabama state average of 49% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 428 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Challenger Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Challenger Middle School's student population of 428 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
428 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Rankings
Challenger Middle 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 Challenger Middle School is 0.62, 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
#406 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
1%
Hispanic
11%
11%
Black
25%
32%
White
55%
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
41%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenger Middle School's ranking?
Challenger Middle School is ranked #406 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Challenger Middle School?
428 students attend Challenger Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Challenger Middle School students are White, 25% of students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Challenger Middle School?
Challenger Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Challenger Middle School offer ?
Challenger Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Challenger Middle School part of?
Challenger Middle School is part of Huntsville City School District.
School Reviews
Review Challenger Middle 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

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.