Photo: WeaponizingArchitecture · CC BY-SA 4.0Decatur’s public schools outscore 55% of Alabama districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Decatur, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. In Decatur, 41% of tested students read at a proficient level, below the Alabama average (47%). 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 98% 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.
Decatur’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 258 Alabama towns with household incomes within a quarter of Decatur’s, its schools beat 46%, lower than their 55% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 41% of tested students were proficient in reading and 27% in math, against 47% and 27% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
93% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,311 per student, against $13,926 across Alabama (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
11 elementary schools, then two middle and three high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (private), St. Ann Catholic School (private) and Cornerstone Christian School (private) are 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 Decatur’s grade
B: better than 55% of Alabama school districts, #90 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 Decatur, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Decatur · depends on your address
Decatur Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 818 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Austin Middle School
Grades 6–7 · 727 students · 15:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Decatur · depends on your address
Decatur Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 818 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Austin Middle School
Grades 6–7 · 727 students · 15:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Decatur · depends on your address
Decatur Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 818 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Austin Junior High School
Grades 8–9 · 664 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Decatur · depends on your address
Austin High School
Grades 9–12 · 999 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Decatur High School
Grades 9–12 · 915 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Career Academies of Decatur
Grades 9–12 · 269 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Decatur’s public schools are run by Decatur City School District. 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.
Well below the state in reading
Decatur vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alabama towns that share Decatur’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur | B | Decatur City |
| Priceville | B | Morgan County |
| Trinity | B | Morgan County |
| Huntsville | B | Huntsville City |
| Hartselle | A | Hartselle City |
Every school in Decatur
22 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).
Left off: 2 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Long Term Case and Career Technical Center).
Questions about Decatur’s schools
Are Decatur’s schools good?
They sit near the middle of Alabama: the public schools Decatur children attend outscore 55% of Alabama’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B Schools grade, #90 of 187 Alabama towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 46%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Decatur in?
Decatur City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 8,902 students in 19 schools (2024–25).
Where do Decatur kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: Austin High School, Decatur High School and Career Academies of Decatur.
What is Decatur’s graduation rate?
93% of the class of 2023 in Decatur City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama.
How much does Decatur spend per student?
$15,311 in Decatur City School District (FY2024), against $13,926 across Alabama. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Decatur?
Yes: Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (religious, grades K–12, 370 students), St. Ann Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 91 students) and Cornerstone Christian School (religious, grades PK–11, 28 students).
Parents talk
What Decatur families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Decatur → 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.