Walnut Park Elementary School in Gadsden ranks #582 in Alabama as of 2023, improving from #852 in 2021 but remaining in the state's top 50%.
Math proficiency declined from 35–39% in 2017 to 25–29% in 2023, lower than the state average of approximately 30%, while reading proficiency of 40–44% in 2023 trailed the state average of 47%.
Minority enrollment comprised 43% of the 226 students in 2023, with substantial eligibility for free lunch rising from 68% in 2003 to 88% in 2023, reflecting socioeconomic shifts.
Serving grades Pre–K through 5, Walnut Park Elementary had a student–teacher ratio of 16:1 with 14 teachers and high free lunch participation at 84% in the most recent year.
Science proficiency ranged from 21–39% in 2023, consistently lower than the state average near 38%, indicating ongoing challenges in science achievement at this Union County NJ high school.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 218 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 47%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Gadsden area, with most students commuting in 5-10 minutes (averaging 1.2 miles, up to 2.2 miles max).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Walnut Park Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Walnut Park Elementary School's student population of 218 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
218 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Walnut Park 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 Walnut Park Elementary School is 0.63, 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
#582 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
19%
12%
Black
25%
31%
White
53%
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
79%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Gadsden City School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walnut Park Elementary School's ranking?
Walnut Park Elementary School is ranked #582 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?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Walnut Park Elementary School?
218 students attend Walnut Park Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Walnut Park Elementary School students are White, 25% of students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walnut Park Elementary School?
Walnut Park Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Walnut Park Elementary School offer ?
Walnut Park Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Walnut Park Elementary School part of?
Walnut Park Elementary School is part of Gadsden City School District.
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