Zora Ellis Junior High School in Talladega, AL serves 213 students in grades 7–8 with a student–teacher ratio of 15:1, which is higher than the state average ratio.
Math proficiency is 6%, significantly lower than the Alabama state average of 30% and the district average of 12%, showing a persistent decline from 55% in 2012.
Reading proficiency at the school is 33%, which is lower than the state average of 47% but slightly higher than the district average of 30%, with scores generally improving since a low of 18% in 2016.
Science proficiency ranges between 15–19%, below the state average of 38% and the district average of 18%, reflecting ongoing challenges in this subject area.
Enrollment decreased from a peak of 551 students in 1999 to 213 students in 2023, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch rose from 58% to 88%, indicating significant socioeconomic shifts.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 213 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Zora Ellis Junior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Zora Ellis Junior High School's student population of 213 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
213 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
A Better Tomorrow Begins By Pursuing Excellence Today
School Rankings
Zora Ellis Junior High 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 Zora Ellis Junior High School is 0.43, 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
#1030 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
7%
11%
Black
73%
32%
White
18%
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
88%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zora Ellis Junior High School's ranking?
Zora Ellis Junior High School is ranked #1030 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?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Zora Ellis Junior High School?
213 students attend Zora Ellis Junior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Zora Ellis Junior High School students are Black, 18% of students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Zora Ellis Junior High School?
Zora Ellis Junior High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Zora Ellis Junior High School offer ?
Zora Ellis Junior High School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Zora Ellis Junior High School part of?
Zora Ellis Junior High School is part of Talladega City School District.
School Reviews
Review Zora Ellis Junior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.
