Tuscaloosa City Schools Touts Highest-Ever Score On District Report Card

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) announced Thursday that the school system has earned its highest-ever score on the Alabama State Department of Education’s district report card, receiving an 86 for 2025.

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TCS leadership says the achievement marks steady improvement over the past seven years, with TCS climbing from a score of 80 in 2018, reflecting districtwide gains in academic performance, growth, and student engagement.

“This achievement represents years of dedicated work by our teachers, leaders and staff across all schools,” Superintendent Mike Daria said. “While we’re proud of this record score, our focus remains on continued growth and helping every student reach their full potential.”

The state’s report card evaluates districts on academic achievement, student growth, attendance, and other performance measures.

“As we celebrate this success, we’re already focused on the next steps,” Daria said. “Our goal remains clear — to become an ‘A’ district for every student, every day.”

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TCS pointed out that in this year’s report card, 14 schools increased their scores, while two maintained their 2024 performance and only four declined — each by just one or two points.

Increases ranged from one to 12 points, with Oakdale Elementary showing the largest single-year improvement, climbing 12 points to move from a D to a B.

Lucille Prewitt, who retired last year after serving as principal at Oakdale Elementary, credited the school’s growth to teamwork and belief in students’ abilities.

“Our success was the result of sustained focus, shared goals, and a culture where every student mattered,” she said. “This improvement is something the entire Oakdale community can be proud of — and it shows what is possible when we believe in our children and each other.”

TCS Deputy Superintendent James Pope also said the steady rise in scores reflects a systemwide focus on instructional quality and accountability.

“Every year, our goal is to provide stronger teaching and learning experiences for our students,” he said. “The upward trend shows our strategies are working — and that our schools are moving together in the right direction.”

Notable School Improvements Since 2018

• Westlawn Middle: 62 → 74
• Woodland Forrest Elementary: 77 → 85
• University Place Elementary: 84 → 88 (highest yet)
• The Alberta School of Performing Arts (TASPA): 74 → 86 (highest yet)
• Skyland Elementary: 72 → 83 (highest yet)
• Oakdale Elementary: 75 → 81 (highest yet)
• Central Elementary: 71 → 86 (highest yet)
• TCS District Overall: 80 → 86 (highest yet)

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