Heard Elementary School

Set in Dothan, Alabama, Heard Elementary School is a compact elementary campus, overseen by Dothan City. It serves 389 students across grades K through 5.

Across the 16 schools in Dothan City (8,220 students total), Heard Elementary School accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

Demographically, Heard Elementary School reports that the largest single group is Black at 54%, but no single group is in the majority; the rest reads as 30% White, 10% Hispanic, 4% multiracial, 3% Asian. By comparison, Houston County as a whole is about 27% Black, so the school skews considerably more Black than its surroundings.

Looking at school resources, On paper, Heard Elementary School has 21 full-time-equivalent teachers, translating to a class-load average of around 18.5:1. The state averages around 17.0:1, so this campus is higher than the state norm typical. Around 66% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a number frequently used as a low-income enrollment indicator.

With demographic context factored in, Heard Elementary School tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 36.2% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 37.8%.

In the area at large, the surrounding county (Houston County) records that median household income runs about $58,626, about 23% of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or above, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 13%. In all, Houston County runs 35 public schools (combined enrollment of about 15,127 students), of which Heard Elementary School is one.

Nearest neighbor: Selma Street Elementary School, around 1.1 miles off. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools. Among the 6 schools in that immediate cluster with test data (this one included), Heard Elementary School ranks 3rd on composite proficiency, above the local average of 37.1%.

Geographically, the school is in a metropolitan area.

Looking at the recent track record. Heard Elementary School's enrollment has edged down 9% since 2018, when it stood at 426 (now 389). White enrollment moved from 58% to 30% across the same window. Class-load math has tightened: from 22.4:1 in 2018 to 18.5:1 in 2025.

On the community side, members of the Heard Elementary School community share and discuss pickup logistics, teacher feedback, and after-school programs. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.