Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School ranked #487 in Alabama in 2023, improving from #505 in 2022 but down from a peak of #172 in 2010; it ranked within the top 50% statewide for overall testing in recent years.
Math proficiency was 34%, higher than the Alabama state average of 30% in 2023, while reading proficiency was 46%, approximately equal to the state average of 47%; science proficiency stood at 33%, lower than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment declined gradually from 486 students in 2019 to 418 in 2023, and minority enrollment made up 57% of the student body in 2023, reflecting a diverse student population in this Alabama elementary school.
Nathaniel H Stephens served grades 3 and 4 with 428 students and 22 teachers in 2023, resulting in a student–teacher ratio of 19:1, which increased from 17:1 in 2019.
The percentage of students eligible for free lunch decreased to 53% in 2023 from 72% in 2021, indicating a moderate socioeconomic shift among students over recent years.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 3-4
- Enrollment: 436 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 57%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Alexander City area, with most students residing 10-15 minutes away (average 7.3 miles, furthest at 14.2 miles).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School's student population of 436 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
436 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School is 0.64, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#487 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
11%
12%
Black
41%
31%
White
43%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School's ranking?
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School is ranked #487 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 46% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School?
436 students attend Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School students are White, 41% of students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School?
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School offer ?
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 3-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School part of?
Nathaniel H Stephens Elementary School is part of Alexander City School District.
School Reviews
Review Nathaniel H Stephens 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.
