McAdory Elementary School is nestled in the Tannehill Valley of McCalla, Alabama on the western boundary of Jefferson County. In 1996, our new K-5 elementary facility was built only two miles from Tannehill State Park, a historic Civil War ironworks. We have international neighbors, as the only Mercedes Benz international headquarters in the United States is within a few miles. We benefit from the cultural and cosmopolitan presence of the greater Birmingham, Alabama metropolitan area. Our children have deep roots in the community and enormous opportunities for the future. The school serves as an educational bridge for transporting each student across the rainbow of opportunity.

Until 1996, the elementary school was part of a K-12 unit, McAdory High School. We share continuing traditions with the secondary school. When warm weather arrives in McCalla, the entire community can be found at the baseball fields behind the high school. Baseball is a community fever!

Our school culture reflects a family atmosphere in which learning and self-development are encouraged for all members.  Students and teachers all strive for personal and professional development, as we work cooperatively in our classrooms.  A comprehensive Inclusion project is implemented in Grades 1-5, with 2 out of 6 classrooms at each grade level incorporating collaborative support for exceptional education students within the general curriculum.  Respect for self and others is the theme for our “Character Counts” curriculum.  The Accelerated Reader program, with its STAR computerized assessment plan promotes enjoyment of reading.

 Technology is a priority for everyone at McAdory Elementary.  Gifted and Talented students produce and broadcast news programs on close-circuit TV.  A five-year technology plan outlines ever-increasing technology applications used in reaching curricular goals.  Appropriate software collections for each grade level differ according to the developmental and educational needs of the students.  The media center is a hub of informational services for students and teachers.  Communication of ideas through technology and professional development ensure that teachers and staff can effectively challenge students with the school’s curriculum.

 Academic endeavors are assessed in an on-going process.  We believe in regular check-ups.  Results of student assessment give teachers feedback on overall student achievement.  Teachers know that self-assessment is helpful, as they engage in pre- and post-observation conferences during formal evaluation cycles.  Assessment leads to directed growth for both students and faculty members.

 Recognition of success is important for all stakeholders in our educational community.  Students are honored each month for academic and citizenship awards at PTA meetings.  By recognizing excellent teachers with public praise and commendations, we raise the standards for every educator in our school.