For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,680 students in Cottondale, AL (there are 1 private school, serving 332 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Cottondale, AL are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Cottondale, AL are Cottondale Elementary School, Davisemerson Middle School and Eastwood Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cottondale, AL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Alabama public school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Cottondale have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Alabama public school average of 50% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Cottondale, AL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cottondale Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2301 Cottondale Ln
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 342-2642
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 342-2642
Gr: PK-5 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #22.
Davisemerson Middle School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 Bulldog Blvd
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 342-2750
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 342-2750
Gr: 6-8 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #33.
Eastwood Middle School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6314 Mary Harmon Bryant Drive
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 759-3613
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 759-3613
Gr: 6-8 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #44.
Paul W Bryant High School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6315 Mary Harmon Bryant Drive
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 759-3538
Cottondale, AL 35453
(205) 759-3538
Gr: 9-12 | 1,134 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cottondale, AL?
The top-ranked public schools in Cottondale, AL include Cottondale Elementary School, Davisemerson Middle School and Eastwood Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Cottondale?
4 public schools are located in Cottondale.
What percentage of students in Cottondale go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Cottondale are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cottondale?
Cottondale public schools minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Alabama public schools average of 50% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Cottondale are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cottondale include: Eastwood Middle School vs. Davisemerson Middle School
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