Charles F Hard Elementary School in Bessemer, AL, ranked #1130 in the state in 2023, showing a decline from #972 in 2018 and placing it in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools.
Math proficiency ranged from 10% to 14%, reading proficiency from 10% to 14%, and science proficiency was 10% or less, all lower than the Alabama state averages of 30%, 47%, and 38%, respectively, with declining trends noted in recent years.
Enrollment stabilized near 350 students with a 22:1 student–teacher ratio in 2023; minority enrollment remained high at 99%, with 85% of students eligible for free lunch, indicating sustained socioeconomic challenges.
The school served grades Pre–K through 5, with 350 students and 16 teachers in recent reporting, and did not offer virtual instruction.
Graduation rates and academic performance consistently trailed state averages, with significant declines in overall state ranking and persistently low proficiency rates in core subjects.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 364 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bessemer area, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive, averages 0.9 miles from school, with the furthest at 1.2 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Charles F Hard Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Charles F Hard Elementary School's student population of 364 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 24% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
364 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Rankings
Charles F Hard Elementary 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 Charles F Hard Elementary School is 0.24, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1130 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
8%
12%
Black
87%
31%
White
1%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Bessemer City School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charles F Hard Elementary School's ranking?
Charles F Hard Elementary School is ranked #1130 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Charles F Hard Elementary School often compared to?
Charles F Hard Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Abrams Elementary School, Westhills Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Charles F Hard Elementary School?
364 students attend Charles F Hard Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Charles F Hard Elementary School students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Charles F Hard Elementary School?
Charles F Hard Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Charles F Hard Elementary School offer ?
Charles F Hard Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Charles F Hard Elementary School part of?
Charles F Hard Elementary School is part of Bessemer City School District.
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