Huntsville City Schools (HCS) continues to demonstrate steady academic progress according to the latest A–F report cards released by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) for the 2024–2025 school year.
HCS achieved an 88 on the federal report card and an 89 on the state report card, which marks another year of growth in the district’s pursuit of academic excellence. These results represent a three-point increase from the previous year’s scores.
“These results are a testament to the dedication of our students, educators, families, and community partners,” said Dr. Clarence Sutton, Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools. “We are creating a culture of excellence across every classroom and every school to ensure our students have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.”
Strong Academic Growth and Achievement
Academic growth remains a cornerstone of the district’s success.
35 of 43 schools improved or maintained a perfect score in academic growth.
26 schools earned perfect growth scores.
Fourth-grade math showed exceptional improvement, with 10% fewer students scoring Level 1 and 10% more students scoring Levels 3 or 4.
Seventh-grade English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rose nearly 7 percentage points, with fewer students performing below grade level.
District-wide, academic growth increased by 1.14 points, and academic achievement improved by 0.6 points, signaling steady gains across all grade levels. Progress in English language proficiency and graduation rates also improved while chronic absenteeism decreased.
More Schools Achieving Higher Grades
Of the district’s 43 schools included in the report card results:
33 schools increased their overall scores, with 4 remaining the same.
17 schools improved their letter grades.
The district now boasts 15 schools earning an A and 11 earning a B.
Hampton Cove Elementary and Monte Sano Elementary each achieved a perfect score of 100.
Chapman Middle School, Lakewood Elementary, and Montview Elementary School stand out as turnaround successes with all three schools experiencing double-digit gains. Chapman Middle climbed from 51 to 72 in just three years. Lakewood Elementary increased from a 66 in 2023-2024 to a 76 in 2024-2025. Montview Elementary improved from a 68 in 2023-2024 to an 80 in 2024-2025.
Focused on Excellence
HCS attributes its success to a focused, system-wide strategy emphasizing instructional leadership, academic alignment, and student-centered support:
Reorganized structure at Central Office with Area Director and Teaching & Learning Director roles to enhance accountability and consistency.
A new preK–12 academic model featuring Math and ELA teams dedicated to aligned curriculum development.
Enhanced supports and improvement plans for schools earning Cs or Ds.
Expanded professional development in leadership, communication, and instructional best practices.
Increased collaboration with PTAs, teachers of the year (TOYs), and student government associations (SGAs) to ensure continuous feedback and improvement.
Encouraging Family and Community Engagement
HCS encourages families to continue supporting student success through:
Ensuring daily attendance and engagement.
Establishing routines by encouraging reading and strong study habits.
Discussing learning experiences at home.
Monitoring academic progress and celebrating growth.
Participating in school activities and maintaining communication with teachers.
By building on this year’s accomplishments, HCS remains committed to its mission of providing safe and supportive learning environments for all students. Scores for all schools will be posted on the School Report Card page of the ALSDE website when they are made available.