EES, WES, CCPS get record-high scores

The State of Alabama is issuing its annual report cards for local school systems, and Cullman City Schools remains among the top districts in the state — with three schools posting their highest scores ever.

Cullman City Schools once again reported all As across every school, with the system as a whole achieving its highest grade since the introduction of state report cards. System-wide, Cullman City Schools reported an overall grade of 95, up from 94 in 2023.

East Elementary School earned a grade of 99, its highest ever, up from 98 in 2023. West Elementary School earned a grade of 96, its highest ever, up from 94 in 2023. Cullman City Primary School earned a grade of 96, its highest ever, up from 95 the prior year. Cullman Middle School moved from a 96 to a 95 this year, and Cullman High School was level at 91 year-to-year.

“We are very fortunate to have the teachers we have in our school system,” Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said. “It’s also worth noting that in the same academic year in which we had the highest grades, we also had the highest special education rate at 13.79 percent and our highest poverty rate at 40.36 percent. Our educators do not make excuses and produce unbelievable results.”

In the system’s 2023 Pillars of Commitment, Kallhoff noted the school board made it clear that providing students with support, continuous improvement and training for teachers, and emphasizing rigorous curriculum and assessments was a key district-wide priority.

“I truly believe our state report card performance is a result of these three commitments,” he said.

The following criteria are taken into account when calculating the state report cards: Academic Achievement, Academic Growth, Graduation Rate, College and Career Readiness Rate, Chronic Absenteeism and Progress in English Language Proficiency.

College and career readiness

For 2024, students at Cullman High School achieved an all-time high in the College and Career Readiness Indicator of 95.2 percent. For the sake of comparison, that indicator has increased from 88.48 percent in 2018.

The college and career readiness rate reflects a school’s success in preparing students for life after graduation.The higher the score, the more students are ready for college, careers, or other opportunities, setting them up for success in the future.

“This achievement highlights Cullman High School’s commitment to excellence and our students’ determination to prepare for life after high school,” Lindsay Brannon, Director of Academic Affairs, said. “It reflects the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff, showing that we are preparing them to succeed in any path they choose. By equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for college, careers, and other opportunities, Cullman High School is helping to create brighter futures for our students.”

Improvements in chronic absenteeism

District-wide for Cullman City Schools, the chronic absenteeism rate was down to 8.3 percent in 2024, from 9.7 percent in 2023. For context, the state of Alabama considers chronic absenteeism at 18 days missed. This means students can miss up to 10 percent of the school year for excused and unexcused reasons. If students miss more than 18 days they are considered chronically absent.

This metric accounts for 10 percent of the state report card grade. Understandably, this is an area that is difficult for schools to control, as in most cases, attendance starts at home. But, chronic absenteeism rates have been trending down over the last three years in Cullman City Schools, a sign that families, students and faculty are all bought in to the importance of consistent attendance.

“This reduction in chronic absenteeism has everything to do with our great families and motivated students,” Kallhoff said.