Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0Gadsden’s public schools score below 75% of Alabama districts on tests and graduation
In Gadsden, 21% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Alabama average (27%). The grade covers the public school district serving Gadsden, 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 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.
Gadsden’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 39% of tested students were proficient in reading and 21% in math, against 47% and 27% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,326 per student, against $13,926 across Alabama (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Eight elementary schools, then three middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Coosa Christian School (private), St. James Catholic School (private) and Holy Comforter Episcopal Day 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 Gadsden’s grade
C: better than 25% of Alabama school districts, #153 of 187 Alabama towns. Both inputs trail the Alabama average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Gadsden, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Gadsden · depends on your address
Gadsden Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 438 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Sansom Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 339 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Litchfield Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 252 students · 16:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Gadsden · depends on your address
Gadsden Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 438 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Sansom Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 339 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Litchfield Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 252 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Gadsden · depends on your address
Gadsden Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 438 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Sansom Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 339 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Litchfield Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 252 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Gadsden
Gadsden City High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,361 students · 17:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Gadsden
Gadsden City High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,361 students · 17:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Gadsden
Gadsden City High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,361 students · 17:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Gadsden
Gadsden City High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,361 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Gadsden’s public schools are run by Gadsden 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
Gadsden vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alabama towns that share Gadsden’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Gadsden | C | Gadsden City |
| Rainbow City | B+ | Etowah County |
| Attalla | C+ | Attalla City |
| Glencoe | B+ | Etowah County |
| Reece City | — | Etowah County |
Every school in Gadsden
15 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: 4 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Etowah County Special Education Learning Center, C I T Y Program, Downtown Educational Center and Therapeutic Academic Program).
Questions about Gadsden’s schools
Are Gadsden’s schools good?
On Alabama’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Gadsden children attend score below 75% of Alabama’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #153 of 187 Alabama towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 24%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Gadsden in?
Gadsden City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,940 students in 12 schools (2024–25).
Where do Gadsden kids go to high school?
Gadsden City High School, with 1,361 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Gadsden’s graduation rate?
84% of the class of 2023 in Gadsden City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama.
How much does Gadsden spend per student?
$14,326 in Gadsden City School District (FY2024), against $13,926 across Alabama. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Gadsden?
Yes: Coosa Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 341 students), St. James Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 144 students) and Holy Comforter Episcopal Day School (religious, grades PK–11, 74 students).
Parents talk
What Gadsden families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Gadsden → 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.