Limestone County Schools & Education
Limestone County, Alabama
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
23/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
88.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,406
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,270
School Score
23/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#59
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Limestone County
School Verdict
Limestone County faces educational challenges with a school score of 23/100 and a graduation rate of 88.3%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $5,406 per pupil, Limestone County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Limestone County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 43% below the Alabama average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 2.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 14% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Limestone County, Alabama
Modern Infrastructure in a Rapidly Changing County
Limestone County operates 26 public schools across two main districts, accommodating 22,876 students. The landscape is unique, featuring 14 elementary schools and 9 high schools to serve a growing population. This system maintains a high average school size of 915 students due to large-scale regional campuses.
Outperforming National Graduation Benchmarks
The county achieves an 88.3% graduation rate, placing it ahead of the 87.0% national average. Although the per-pupil expenditure of $5,406 is significantly lower than the national average, the school score of 49.2 remains competitive within the region. These figures suggest a system that manages high student volume with very lean resources.
The Scale of Limestone and Athens Districts
Limestone County Schools is the larger district, managing 17 schools and nearly 16,000 students, while Athens City serves 4,840 students. Notably, Alabama Connections Academy operates as a massive virtual option with over 7,000 students. No charter schools are currently active, as the traditional and virtual public options dominate the area.
From Rural Landscapes to Large-Scale High Schools
School life here shifts between 12 rural schools and 10 town-based campuses, reflecting the county's transitional geography. James Clemens High School and Alabama Connections Academy represent the largest enrollment hubs with thousands of students each. This mix provides families both traditional community-focused schools and high-capacity modern facilities.
Establish Roots Near Athens or Madison City
With schools outperforming national graduation rates, Limestone County is an attractive destination for families seeking growth. Homes in the southern portion of the county often provide access to some of the state's largest and most modern high schools. Start your home search today to secure a spot in these evolving school districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
26
in Limestone County
Total Enrollment
22,876
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Limestone County
Limestone County
Athens City
26 Public Schools in Limestone County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Connections Academy | Limestone County | KG–12 | Other | 7,063 |
| James Clemens High School | Madison City | 9–12 | High | 2,149 |
| East Limestone High School | Limestone County | 6–12 | High | 1,282 |
| Athens High School | Athens City | 9–12 | High | 1,173 |
| Ardmore High School | Limestone County | 6–12 | High | 993 |
| Athens Middle School | Athens City | 6–8 | Middle | 958 |
| West Limestone High School | Limestone County | 6–12 | High | 733 |
| Athens Renaissance School | Athens City | KG–12 | Other | 646 |
| Sugar Creek Elementary School | Limestone County | PK–5 | Primary | 646 |
| Elkmont High School | Limestone County | 6–12 | High | 643 |
| Creekside Primary School | Limestone County | PK–2 | Primary | 634 |
| Athens Intermediate School | Athens City | 4–5 | Primary | 586 |
| Cedar Hill Elementary School | Limestone County | PK–5 | Primary | 578 |
| Creekside Elementary School | Limestone County | 1–5 | Primary | 560 |
| Clements High School | Limestone County | 6–12 | High | 554 |
| Blue Springs Elementary School | Limestone County | PK–5 | Primary | 515 |
| Tanner High School | Limestone County | 6–12 | High | 411 |
| Athens Elementary School | Athens City | PK–3 | Primary | 408 |
| Elkmont Elementary School | Limestone County | PK–5 | Primary | 376 |
| Julian Newman Elementary School | Athens City | PK–3 | Primary | 371 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,406
State avg $6,270
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Limestone County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Limestone County?
How much does Limestone County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Limestone County, Alabama — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Limestone County, Alabama?
Limestone County operates 26 public schools across two main districts, accommodating 22,876 students. The landscape is unique, featuring 14 elementary schools and 9 high schools to serve a growing population. This system maintains a high average school size of 915 students due to large-scale regional campuses.
How do schools in Limestone County perform academically?
The county achieves an 88.3% graduation rate, placing it ahead of the 87.0% national average. Although the per-pupil expenditure of $5,406 is significantly lower than the national average, the school score of 49.2 remains competitive within the region. These figures suggest a system that manages high student volume with very lean resources.
What are the major school districts in Limestone County, Alabama?
Limestone County Schools is the larger district, managing 17 schools and nearly 16,000 students, while Athens City serves 4,840 students. Notably, Alabama Connections Academy operates as a massive virtual option with over 7,000 students. No charter schools are currently active, as the traditional and virtual public options dominate the area.
What is the school experience like in Limestone County?
School life here shifts between 12 rural schools and 10 town-based campuses, reflecting the county's transitional geography. James Clemens High School and Alabama Connections Academy represent the largest enrollment hubs with thousands of students each. This mix provides families both traditional community-focused schools and high-capacity modern facilities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Limestone County, Alabama?
With schools outperforming national graduation rates, Limestone County is an attractive destination for families seeking growth. Homes in the southern portion of the county often provide access to some of the state's largest and most modern high schools. Start your home search today to secure a spot in these evolving school districts.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.