Mcdonnell Elementary School ranked #971 in Alabama in 2023, showing a slight improvement from #1030 in 2022, but remaining in the bottom half statewide among Union County NJ high schools.
Math proficiency ranged from 10–14%, reading proficiency from 25–29%, and science proficiency from 6–9%, all lower than the Alabama state averages in recent reporting years.
Enrollment was 445 students from Pre–K through 5th grade, with a student–teacher ratio of 18:1; minority enrollment was approximately 90%, with a high percentage (over 80%) eligible for free or reduced–price lunch.
Between 2015 and 2023, enrollment declined from 625 to around 445 students while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased from 57% to above 80%, indicating socioeconomic shifts at this Huntsville public elementary school.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 511 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Huntsville area; most students live within a 5-10 minute drive (avg. 0.7 mi., furthest 1.2 mi.).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mcdonnell Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Mcdonnell Elementary School's student population of 511 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
511 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Mcdonnell 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 Mcdonnell Elementary School is 0.55, 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
#971 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
62%
12%
Black
25%
31%
White
10%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Huntsville City School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mcdonnell Elementary School's ranking?
Mcdonnell Elementary School is ranked #971 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Mcdonnell Elementary School often compared to?
Mcdonnell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Morris Elementary School, Ridgecrest 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 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Mcdonnell Elementary School?
511 students attend Mcdonnell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Mcdonnell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Black, 10% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mcdonnell Elementary School?
Mcdonnell Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Mcdonnell Elementary School offer ?
Mcdonnell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mcdonnell Elementary School part of?
Mcdonnell Elementary School is part of Huntsville City School District.
School Reviews
Review Mcdonnell Elementary 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
