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GreatSchools Rating

Acad for Science & Foreign Language

Public | K-8 | 441 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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17 reviews of this school


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Posted April 23, 2013

My daughter started Kindergarten this year and wearing uniforms made deciding what to wear in the morning so much easier. You have many styles to mix and match. The education my daughter received this year has been amazing. There are plenty of projects and homework, so if you are a parent that loves to be involved in your child's school and education, ASFL is the school for you! They have many field trips, after school activities, and fundraising activities to ensure the school has the supplies they need to make learning fun. Dr. Garrett is an amazing principal. She greets the students by name and makes an effort to have short conversations with everyone she sees. The teachers do everything possible to create a fun but structured environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 6, 2013

I must say, this school is a WONDERFUL school!! For all you parents looking here too see if its a good idea too send your children here, let them go because so far this is the best school! I went in the begging of 6th this year and I love this school. The only reason why there is bad reviews because of Dr. Summerville. Dr.Garret made an improvement on the school. Next year im re-applying and hoping for the best i get back in!! <3


Posted August 5, 2011

This school is horrible. I went here for 6th and 7th grade and I must say that the students are horrible-talking to the teachers any kind of way and/or tone-and the teachers are of the lowest quality. Do not let your child go here. The school only cares about how the children dress. They only care about there IB Program-which is garbage. They are stuck on titles rather than what the kids need to know to have success in the future. I remember hearing a lot of kids say they have a 1st to 4th grade reading level in 6th grade. A person with an actual 6th grade reading level was considered super smart when it is only supposed to be average. A majority of the teachers curse at the children and the children curse back at the teachers. More discipline needs to be ensembles in the kids. It actually made me thankful for having a good upbringing and to know that I shouldn't talk to adults any type of way. ASFL needs great improvement before I would even think about recommending that school to anyone. The building is also very low maintenance causing mice to wander around the building. I am very glad that I left the school, I hope that the school gets better for the sake of the other kids.


Posted July 23, 2011

An ok school, though alot of the older kids behave like young thugs (not racially speaking). PTA is an absolute joke with very little parent involvement. Some of the teachers and admin staff are rude to parents and students and little is done by the Principal to curtail their behavior. SAD. Eight years of mixed emotions. Out of ten ten - ASFL gets a five.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 31, 2011

My children both attended this school and i will say that things have changed since they first started. They did have some very good teachers Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Pope, and currently Mrs. Alexander, Mr. Snodgrass and Mr. Ryan showed a great deals of interest in the child and make sure that they are learning. The space program was a great interest to the students, but was discontinued. The school seems more interested in the test scores and uniforms now, 4-5 years ago they were actually interested in the student learning and fdoing well in class. I would not recommend this school to any one over another school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 20, 2011

My daughter loves ASFL since starting in 3rd grade. She is looking forward to continuing through 8th grade. I love the uniform policy. Dr. Summerville is a positive influence on the students and is truly hands-on. She takes her responsibilities seriously and is able to do amazing things even when resources are hard to come by. The staff is equally committed and motivated. While some unpleasant things have occurred (and where do they NOT occur, frankly), but each incident was handled professionally, promptly and appropriately. I could not ask for a better school for my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2008

ASFL is a wonderful school to work in and for students to attend. ASFL has had one of it's teachers awarded teacher of the year in HCS 3 times in the last 10 years and all teachers are dedicated to the best interest of the students. Class sizes are small, students get the opportunity to participate in an extremely wide variety of extracurricular activities even though there are no sports. Adminstration is constantly looking for ways to improve the school. The students are great. They are typical kids, but they have a passion for learning and not just for learning about academics. By the time these kids graduate you can see in them their desire to know what's going on in the world and to understand it on a deep intellectual level. Overall ASFL is one of the best schools in this area and I'm proud to be a member
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 6, 2008

I would like to state that ASFL is an absolutely wonderful school. If you conduct a longitudinal study of the test scores over the last five years, the data will indicate that the students are making a lot of academic progress. This year the students are in school uniforms and I have observed a definite positive school climate. I understand that because of the high academic standards for the students, there is a long waiting list of parents who want to enroll their children in ASFL.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 5, 2008

They have been more concerned with what the children look like not what they are learning. Meanwhile our test scores continue to drop. At one time this was a great school but it has been falling year after year. My children went to this school for 7 years and I pulled them out this year. Very disappointing!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 25, 2008

The make-up of ethnic backgrounds at ASFL is wonderful. The more they learn from others the world may one day have peace.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 18, 2008

ASFL is an extremely well organized and student friendly institution and i am pleased to have my child attend. I am pleased with the smaller class sizes and the attention that the educators give to each student. Their commitment to excellence, not only from the student, but from themselves makes this a very goo school to have your child or children attend.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 13, 2008

The teachers are awesome, and go beyond what is required of them. Most accept parent involvement. Administration can not be trusted and does not communicate well. They only communicate what they want you to hear.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 13, 2008

ASFL is great school to attend, because the Ms. Allen is great Space teacher. My daughter has excelled to new heights and gain the confidence that she can do anything.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 13, 2008

I consider myself a very involved parent and one of the things I love about ASFL is the parents eagerness to volunteer. Every staff member at ASFL, from the Principal to Cafeteria workers, are doing a great job in interaction with the parents. Also, ASFL's daily, weekly, and monthly information and feedback has been phenomenal. My child has just recently completed kindergarten. Because my child started Kindergarten slightly before his 5th birthday, I knew it was a shaky ride. Yet to my delight, I soon learned the freedom to interact with my child's teacher and principal became the catalyst that ensured my child success. ASFL substantiates the one-on-one attention that has been vital to my child's achievement, as well as all ASFL students...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 12, 2008

The Academy for Science and Foreign Language in Huntsville, Alabama is the perfect school for my son. This year, 6th grade, was his first at ASFL and it was the best academic year he has had since second grade. The 6th grade teachers are fabulous. I could not believe how much they motivated him to write! My son was writing paragraphs and short essays for English and Social Studies class of course. But the Science and Math teachers also had him writing paragraphs and short stories for their classes. It really, really helped him progress in writing. This school provides an absolutely wonderful Science curriculum. My son really enjoyed the frequent hands-on science activities. He learns so much better that way, rather than just textbook work. And each child at ASFL studies a foreign language. That's hard to find in a middle school in this area.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 30, 2005

I want to commend a Ms. Pearson for her outstanding and excellent teaching. She treats each student individually, works with them, respects them, and does an all around excellent job. Keep up the good work, Ms. Pearson.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 24, 2003

I pulled my child from this school after three months. Reading levels were not tested in first grade, the teachers lack concern/interest in the children, safety issues as well as the curriculum are also very questionable at this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2010.

36 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
69%

2009

 
 
82%

2008

 
 
77%

2007

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 87% in 2010.

37 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
79%

2007

 
 
86%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2010.

44 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
84%

2007

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 87% in 2010.

44 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
93%

2008

 
 
95%

2007

 
 
76%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2010.

42 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
83%

2008

 
 
87%

2007

 
 
86%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2010.

42 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
92%

2007

 
 
86%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2010.

74 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
73%

2008

 
 
70%

2007

 
 
76%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2010.

74 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
95%

2007

 
 
99%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2010.

62 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
76%

2008

 
 
72%

2007

 
 
66%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2010.

62 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
95%

2007

 
 
85%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2010.

55 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
88%

2008

 
 
75%

2007

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2010.

55 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
82%

2007

 
 
82%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students69%
Female70%
Male69%
Black65%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Race/Ethnicity Unknownn/a
Free and reduced-price lunch71%
Not economically disadvantaged67%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities68%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English70%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant69%

Reading

All Students84%
Female85%
Male82%
Black78%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White100%
Race/Ethnicity Unknownn/a
Free and reduced-price lunch86%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities86%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English85%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students93%
Female95%
Male91%
Black90%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White100%
Race/Ethnicity Unknownn/a
Free and reduced-price lunch96%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities95%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%

Reading

All Students93%
Female91%
Male95%
Black86%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White100%
Race/Ethnicity Unknownn/a
Free and reduced-price lunch96%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities95%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students90%
Female93%
Male87%
Black90%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch88%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities95%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%

Reading

All Students88%
Female89%
Male87%
Black90%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch92%
Not economically disadvantaged82%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities92%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant88%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students84%
Female87%
Male79%
Black81%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White85%
Free and reduced-price lunch87%
Not economically disadvantaged79%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities87%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English85%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant84%

Reading

All Students92%
Female96%
Male86%
Black93%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White90%
Free and reduced-price lunch91%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities94%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English94%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students74%
Female76%
Male73%
Black74%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White75%
Free and reduced-price lunch69%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities79%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English75%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant74%

Reading

All Students89%
Female96%
Male84%
Black87%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White90%
Free and reduced-price lunch86%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities93%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students93%
Female88%
Male97%
Black91%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White93%
Free and reduced-price lunch90%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities93%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%

Reading

All Students93%
Female92%
Male94%
Black91%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White93%
Free and reduced-price lunch87%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities93%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant93%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 77% in 2010.

41 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
78%

2008

 
 
74%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 69% in 2010.

61 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
73%

2008

 
 
63%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

All Students80%
Female81%
Male80%
Black80%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch88%
Not economically disadvantaged69%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities84%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English82%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

All Students70%
Female71%
Male70%
Black71%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
White70%
Free and reduced-price lunch59%
Not economically disadvantaged85%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities73%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English72%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant70%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 58% 35%
White 28% 59%
Hispanic 8% 4%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4% 1%
American Indian/Alaska Native 3% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 51%N/A52%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A16
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3221 Mastin Lake Rd
Huntsville, AL 35810
Website: Click here
Phone: (256) 428-7000

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