Whatley Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama, closed in 2015 after serving grades K through 8; prior to closure, its state ranking declined from #1273 in 2010 to #1240 in 2012.
Math proficiency at the school was 5% in recent years, significantly lower than the state average of approximately 30%, showing a steep decline from 62% proficiency in 2012.
Reading proficiency also dropped sharply to 5%, lower than the state average of 47% in 2022, down from 61% in 2012, reflecting weakening academic performance over time.
Science proficiency fell to 5% in 2022, below the state average of 38%, marking a significant performance decrease from 69% proficiency in 2021.
Enrollment steadily declined before closure, from 463 students in 2011 to zero after 2015, with a high percentage of students eligible for free lunch, reaching 98% in 2012, indicating socioeconomic challenges.
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students (11-12)
454 students
Total Classroom Teachers (11-12)
24 teachers
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(11-12)62%
82%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(11-12)61%
86%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
17:1
American Indian
(11-12)n/a
1%
Asian
(11-12)n/a
1%
Hispanic
(11-12)5%
5%
Black
(11-12)94%
34%
White
(11-12)n/a
58%
Hawaiian
(11-12)n/a
n/a
Two or more races
(11-12)1%
1%
Eligible for Free Lunch (11-12)
98%
51%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
2%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 82% AL state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 86% AL state average).
How many students attend Whatley Elementary School?
454 students attend Whatley Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Whatley Elementary School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What grades does Whatley Elementary School offer ?
Whatley Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Whatley Elementary School part of?
Whatley Elementary School is part of Birmingham City School District.
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