Charles F Hard Elementary School vs Empower Community SchoolLower School
A head-to-head comparison of two elementary schools in Alabama, United States, 1.1 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Charles F Hard Elementary School
Bessemer · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
364 students
Empower Community SchoolLower School
Bessemer · Charter elementary · Grades K–4
201 students
| Measure | Charles F Hard Elementary School Bessemer, Alabama | Empower Community SchoolLower School Bessemer, Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 16 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #661 of 699 | #466 of 699 |
| National rank | #47165 of 50,301 | #33656 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Charter |
| Type | Elementary | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades PK–5 | Grades K–4 |
| Students | 364 | 201 |
| Enrollment | 364 | 201 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 80.8% | 71.1% |
| Students per teacher | 19.2 | – |
| Reading proficiency | 17% | – |
| Math proficiency | 27% | – |
| city | Bessemer | Bessemer |
| state | Alabama | Alabama |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Empower Community SchoolLower School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (37.5 vs 15.9).
- •Empower Community SchoolLower School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (71.1% vs 80.8%).
- •Charles F Hard Elementary School is the larger school with 364 students compared with 201.
- •Charles F Hard Elementary School is a public school while Empower Community SchoolLower School is a charter school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Charles F Hard Elementary School better than Empower Community SchoolLower School?
On the Success Index (US), Empower Community SchoolLower School ranks higher (37.5 vs 15.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Charles F Hard Elementary School and Empower Community SchoolLower School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Bessemer and Bessemer in Alabama.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Charles F Hard Elementary School: 364. Empower Community SchoolLower School: 201. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Charles F Hard Elementary School and Empower Community SchoolLower School rank in Alabama?
Charles F Hard Elementary School is 661st of 699 and Empower Community SchoolLower School is 466th of 699 among elementary schools in Alabama on the 2025 Success Index (US).