Serving 174 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Payne Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 30%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 174 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Payne Elementary School's student population of 174 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 9 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
174 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Payne 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 Payne Elementary School is 0.02, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1086 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
n/a
11%
Black
99%
32%
White
n/a
51%
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
97%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panthers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Payne Elementary School's ranking?
Payne Elementary School is ranked #1086 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 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Payne Elementary School?
174 students attend Payne Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Payne Elementary School students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Payne Elementary School?
Payne Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Payne Elementary School offer ?
Payne Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Payne Elementary School part of?
Payne Elementary School is part of Selma City School District.
School Reviews
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