Cottondale’s public schools score below 53% of Alabama districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 23% of Cottondale’s students scored proficient, below the Alabama average (27%). The grade covers the public school district serving Cottondale, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Alabama, not nationally.
From Alabama state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Cottondale’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 45% of tested students were proficient in reading and 23% in math, against 47% and 27% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,186 per student, against $13,926 across Alabama (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and six high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Tuscaloosa Christian School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Cottondale’s grade
B−: better than 47% of Alabama school districts, #112 of 187 Alabama towns. Graduation is above the Alabama average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Cottondale, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Cottondale
Cottondale Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 438 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Cottondale
Cottondale Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 438 students · 18:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Cottondale
Cottondale Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 438 students · 18:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Cottondale
Cottondale Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 438 students · 18:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Cottondale
Cottondale Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 438 students · 18:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Cottondale
Cottondale Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 438 students · 18:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Cottondale
Cottondale Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 438 students · 18:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Cottondale
DavisEmerson Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 397 students · 19:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Cottondale
DavisEmerson Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 397 students · 19:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Cottondale
DavisEmerson Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 397 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Cottondale’s public schools are run by Tuscaloosa County School District, which also serves Brookwood, Coaling, Coker and Lake View and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Cottondale vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alabama towns that share Cottondale’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Cottondale | B− | Tuscaloosa County |
| Tuscaloosa | C | Tuscaloosa City |
Every school in Cottondale
9 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Alabama’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Cottondale’s schools
Are Cottondale’s schools good?
On Alabama’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Cottondale children attend score below 53% of Alabama’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #112 of 187 Alabama towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 47%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Cottondale in?
Tuscaloosa County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 19,278 students in 35 schools (2024–25).
Where do Cottondale kids go to high school?
One of 6 high schools, depending on your address: Tuscaloosa County High School, Hillcrest High School, Brookwood High School, Northside High School, Sipsey Valley High School and Holt High School.
What is Cottondale’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Tuscaloosa County School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama.
How much does Cottondale spend per student?
$12,186 in Tuscaloosa County School District (FY2024), against $13,926 across Alabama. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Cottondale?
Yes: Tuscaloosa Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 333 students).
Parents talk
What Cottondale families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Cottondale → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Alabama. Stars are from neighbors.