Serving 396 students in grades 7-12, Cottonwood High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 30%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Alabama state average of 49% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 396 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cottonwood High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Cottonwood High School's student population of 396 students has declined by 48% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 47% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
396 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Motto
Houston County Schools, believing that our children are our future, commit to a partnership with stakeholders to provide safe, caring learning environments that encourage each student to achieve his or her full potential.
School Rankings
Cottonwood High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cottonwood High School is 0.40, 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
#831 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
6%
11%
Black
13%
32%
White
76%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
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 Cottonwood High School's ranking?
Cottonwood High School is ranked #831 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Cottonwood High School often compared to?
Cottonwood High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ashford Elementary School, Heard Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Cottonwood High School?
The graduation rate of Cottonwood High School is 95%, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Cottonwood High School?
396 students attend Cottonwood High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Cottonwood High School students are White, 13% of students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Cottonwood High School?
Cottonwood High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Cottonwood High School offer ?
Cottonwood High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cottonwood High School part of?
Cottonwood High School is part of Houston County School District.
School Reviews
Review Cottonwood High 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

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.