Tuscaloosa City Schools is touting that 90% of its third graders have met the state benchmark for reading sufficiency in 2026, marking the third consecutive year for that achievement.

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is essential, and under Alabama’s Literacy Act, students who are not reading on grade level may be retained before entering fourth grade. TCS expects very few, if any, retentions this year. Most students who did not initially meet the benchmark are either exempt under state guidelines or participating in summer learning opportunities with a chance to retest.

“In 2015–16, only 39% of our third graders were reading on grade level,” Superintendent Mike Daria said. “We committed to changing that — and these results show that commitment paying off.”

Some schools showed significant gains in third-grade reading sufficiency compared to last year. Central Elementary increased from 70% to 80% sufficiency, while Oakdale Elementary rose from 83% to 90%. Oakdale’s growth is especially notable compared to three years ago, when only 46% of third graders were reading on grade level.

Deputy Superintendent James Pope said the district’s consistent focus on literacy instruction and intervention continues to make a difference for students.

“These results reflect years of intentional work by our teachers, administrators, support staff and families to ensure students are building strong reading skills early,” Pope said. “We are proud of the progress our students have made and will continue working to support every child’s success.”

Daria also praised elementary educators, school leaders and employees across the district for their continued dedication to student success.

“A big thank you to all of our elementary schools for remaining focused on strategies that work and for supporting our outstanding students,” Daria said.

2026 third-grade reading sufficiency results by school:

Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Elementary: 100%Rock Quarry Elementary: 99%Verner Elementary: 97%University Place Elementary: 93%Woodland Forrest Elementary: 93%Oakdale Elementary: 90%Arcadia Elementary: 88%Skyland Elementary: 87%The Alberta School of Performing Arts: 84%Southview Elementary: 83%Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary: 83%Central Elementary: 80%