Westhills Elementary School in Bessemer, AL, ranked #971 in the state in 2023, showing a decline from #172 in 2012 and fluctuating within the bottom 50% of Alabama schools over recent years.
Math proficiency ranged between 10–14%, reading proficiency between 25–29%, and science proficiency was 10% or lower, all lower than the Alabama state averages.
Enrollment decreased to 297 students with a student–teacher ratio of 17:1; the school serves grades Kindergarten through 5 with a 98% minority enrollment and 75% of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch.
Graduation rates remained below the state average, at 71% in 2023 compared to the state average of 88%, consistent with district trends.
Westhills Elementary operates as a Title I eligible school without virtual instruction options and participates in the National School Lunch Program under the Community Eligibility Option.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 277 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bessemer area serves students within a 5-10 min. drive, averaging 2.7 mi. with a maximum distance of 7.5 mi.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Westhills Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Westhills Elementary School's student population of 277 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
277 students
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
School Rankings
Westhills 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 Westhills Elementary School is 0.27, 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)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
12%
12%
Black
85%
31%
White
2%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
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 Westhills Elementary School's ranking?
Westhills Elementary School is ranked #971 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
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 Westhills Elementary School?
277 students attend Westhills Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Westhills Elementary School students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Westhills Elementary School?
Westhills Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Westhills Elementary School offer ?
Westhills Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Westhills Elementary School part of?
Westhills Elementary School is part of Bessemer City School District.
School Reviews
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