What grades does Challenger Elementary School serve?

Challenger Elementary School operates as a Primary school within Huntsville City. The school serves families in the Huntsville area.

Where is Challenger Elementary School located?

Challenger Elementary School is a urban school in Huntsville, AL.

What school district is Challenger Elementary School in?

Challenger Elementary School operates under Huntsville City, serving students in Huntsville. Huntsville City includes 45 schools in total.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Challenger Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Challenger Elementary School is 17.8:1. Lower ratios generally indicate smaller class sizes.

How many schools are in Huntsville City?

There are 45 schools in Huntsville City, serving students across the area.

What schools are in Huntsville, AL?

Schools in Huntsville include Challenger Elementary School and others operated by Huntsville City. The district serves families throughout the Huntsville area.

What school district serves Huntsville, AL?

Huntsville is served by Huntsville City. The district operates 45 schools in the area.

ALPrimaryATSICalendar available · 74 events · Auto-updating

Events confirmed from Huntsville City's official calendar.

Challenger Elementary School — School Calendar 2026-27

Primary|Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville City

Huntsville, AL 35803

Auto-updates all year · Works with Apple, Google, Outlook

This school plus sports, holidays, and more. $29.99/year.

Never miss a day at Challenger Elementary School.

Sync this calendar to your phone.

Auto-updates all year · $29.99/yr

Upcoming Events

Oct

Mon

Fall Break (Teachers & Students)Event

No school for teachers or students.

Oct

Fri

Fall Break (Central Office)Event

All schools & offices closed.

Oct

Mon

HCS Celebrates National School Lunch WeekEvent

To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, the district will celebrate National School Lunch Week 2026 from October 12-16, 2026. This year's theme is “Cafeteria Circus: Where Nutrition Takes Center Stage!”This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible balance, talent, and energy school nutrition teams bring to their cafeterias every day. Juggling regulations, tight timelines, and student preferences while serving wholesome meals is a daily feat—and it’s time to celebrate the stars behind the counter!How we're stepping into the Big Top:The Main Attraction: Highlighting nutrient-packed star menu items.Feats of Strength: Honoring the hard work and resilience of kitchen staff.Ringmaster Precision: Spotlighting the organizational skills that keep programs running smoothly.Since 1962, when President Lyndon B. Johnson established NSLW, the second week of October has served as a nationwide celebration of the role school meals play in student health and academic success. Join us this year as we celebrate the magic, skill, and heart you bring to the lunch line every day. Get ready to lead the parade!

Oct

Tue

Parent Connections Session: Child FindEvent

Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:What is Child Find?Who is covered under Child Find?Signs that may indicate a child needs additional supportParent rights and the ability to request an evaluationReferral vs. interventionWhat happens after a referralParental consentAlabama's 60-calendar-day evaluation timelineThe 30-calendar-day eligibility determination timelineEvaluation vs. eligibility vs. IEPThe importance of parent input.

Oct

Tue

BOE Work SessionEvent

This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.Citizen comments will begin at 4:30PM and will not be broadcast. The meeting and broadcast will then begin immediately after the conclusion of the citizen comments.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.

Oct

Fri

Report Cards AvailableEvent

View all 74 events →

Also available for your address

Sync all 74 events to your phone

Plus waste, sports, holidays, and more.

School Profile

Grades

PK–5

Enrollment

499

Student:Teacher

17.8:1

Locale

Urban

District

Huntsville City

Econ. Disadvantaged

44.5%

Phone

(256)428-7060

School Statistics

Academics (SY 2020-21)

ELA Proficiency

53%

65th percentile in AL

Math Proficiency

30%

70th percentile in AL

Chronic Absenteeism

6.3%

SY 2019-20

Programs & Activities (SY 2021-22)

Gifted & Talented

94 students enrolled

Student-Teacher Ratio: 14.4:1

Near average in AL

Technology & Internet Access (SY 2021-22)

Wi-Fi

Campus-wide wireless

Fiber Internet

High-speed connection

497

Connected devices

Staff & Support Services (SY 2021-22)

Teachers (FTE)

100% fully certified

Counselors

Nurses

Anti-Bullying Policy

District Finance (FY 2023)

Per-Pupil Spending

$13,146

Total current expenditure

Instruction Spending

$7,024

Per pupil, classroom only

Total Revenue/Pupil

$18,262

All funding sources

Funding Sources

Federal 14%State 40%Local 47%

District-level data from NCES F-33 Survey

Community Context

Median Home Value

$310,446

+0.4% 1yr+29.9% 5yr

Huntsville, AL metro area

Community Need Level

Moderate

CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index 2022

Neighborhood Indicators (Census Tract)

18.3%

Below 150% poverty line

4.4%

Unemployment rate

7.8%

Uninsured residents

8.0%

No HS diploma (25+)

Special Education (IDEA)

District-level data from IDEA Part B · Students ages 3-21 served under IDEA

Total Students Served

3,710

Ages 3-21 under IDEA

School-Age (6-21)

3,554

Receiving special ed services

Est. % of Enrollment

100%

District rate, school may vary

Disability Categories (District)

Specific Learning Disability

1,379 (39%)

Other Health Impairment

652 (18%)

Autism

644 (18%)

Speech/Language Impairment

401 (11%)

Intellectual Disability

291 (8%)

Emotional Disturbance

10 (0%)

Source: U.S. Department of Education, IDEA Section 618 Data · District-level counts · Individual school figures may differ

Enrollment Trend (2014-2025)

491

Current enrollment

Stable(-4% 5yr)

Coming Up

Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Fall Break (Teachers & Students)

No school for teachers or students.

Event

Fri, Oct 9, 2026

Fall Break (Central Office)

All schools & offices closed.

Event

Mon, Oct 12, 2026

HCS Celebrates National School Lunch Week

Event

Full School Calendar 2026-27

Events marked District-wide apply to all schools in Huntsville City. Challenger Elementary School follows the district calendar.

Date	Event	Type	Level
Mon, Sep 7, 2026	Holiday (students & staff)District-wide We hope you're having a good year so far. Today is a holiday for SBISD students and staff. We will see you back in class tomorrow, Tues., Sept. 8. Enjoy your day!	Holiday	—
Thu, Sep 10, 2026	Blast Off with Breakfast: Fueling Excellence with Our GrandparentsDistrict-wide	Break	—
Fri, Sep 11, 2026	Early Warning Attendance MeetingDistrict-wide	half_day	—
Mon, Sep 14, 2026	Grandparents Day Breakfast for students with last names A-HDistrict-wide Our kids may be in middle school, but they still love hosting their grandparents for breakfast. We look forward to meeting all our Grizzly Grands during Grandparents Breakfast. Please join us on the day that corresponds with your student's last name. Monday (9/14): Last Name A-HTuesday (9/15): Last Name I- QWednesday (9/16): R-Z	Break	—
Tue, Sep 15, 2026	National IT Professionals DayDistrict-wide	Staff Day	—
Tue, Sep 15, 2026	Grandparents Day Breakfast for students with last names I- QDistrict-wide Our kids may be in middle school, but they still love hosting their grandparents for breakfast. We look forward to meeting all our Grizzly Grands during Grandparents Breakfast. Please join us on the day that corresponds with your student's last name. Monday (9/14): Last Name A-HTuesday (9/15): Last Name I- QWednesday (9/16): R-Z	Break	—
Wed, Sep 16, 2026	Grandparents Breakfast District-wide	Break	—
Wed, Sep 16, 2026	“Hard Candy Christmas”District-wide Pajama Day! Light up the halls in your candy themed or Christmas PJs.	Holiday	—
Fri, Sep 18, 2026	First Responders Breakfast District-wide	Break	—
Wed, Sep 23, 2026	Early Dismissal/Staff Development District-wide For all PK, Elementary & Middle School campuses	half_day	—
Fri, Sep 25, 2026	Early Warning Attendance MeetingDistrict-wide	half_day	—
Tue, Sep 29, 2026	September Focus Meeting: Alabama Literacy Act Join us for a friendly, informative conversation designed to help parents better understand the Alabama Literacy Act and how it supports your child’s reading development. Paula Pippen, HCS District Curriculum Specialist for Elementary Programs, will be our guest speaker.Come learn, ask questions, and discover how we can work together to help your child become a confident, successful reader!All Kindergarten–3rd Grade Parents Are Invited!The K–3 class with the highest parent attendance wins.Come learn. Come support. Come help your child’s class WIN!	Event	—
Tue, Sep 29, 2026	BOE Meeting This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.Citizen comments will begin at 4:30PM and will not be broadcast. The meeting and broadcast will then begin immediately after the conclusion of the citizen comments.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.	Event	—
Wed, Sep 30, 2026	DAC Application Window Huntsville City Schools and the United States Department of Justice are now seeking applications from parents and guardians to serve on the 2026-27 Desegregation Advisory Committee (DAC). For more information, visit the 2026-27 DAC Applications page.	Event	—
Fri, Oct 2, 2026	End of First Grading Period	Event	—
Mon, Oct 5, 2026	Fall Break (Teachers & Students) No school for teachers or students.	Event	—
Fri, Oct 9, 2026	Fall Break (Central Office) All schools & offices closed.	Event	—
Mon, Oct 12, 2026	HCS Celebrates National School Lunch Week To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, the district will celebrate National School Lunch Week 2026 from October 12-16, 2026. This year's theme is “Cafeteria Circus: Where Nutrition Takes Center Stage!”This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible balance, talent, and energy school nutrition teams bring to their cafeterias every day. Juggling regulations, tight timelines, and student preferences while serving wholesome meals is a daily feat—and it’s time to celebrate the stars behind the counter!How we're stepping into the Big Top:The Main Attraction: Highlighting nutrient-packed star menu items.Feats of Strength: Honoring the hard work and resilience of kitchen staff.Ringmaster Precision: Spotlighting the organizational skills that keep programs running smoothly.Since 1962, when President Lyndon B. Johnson established NSLW, the second week of October has served as a nationwide celebration of the role school meals play in student health and academic success. Join us this year as we celebrate the magic, skill, and heart you bring to the lunch line every day. Get ready to lead the parade!	Event	—
Tue, Oct 13, 2026	Parent Connections Session: Child Find Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:What is Child Find?Who is covered under Child Find?Signs that may indicate a child needs additional supportParent rights and the ability to request an evaluationReferral vs. interventionWhat happens after a referralParental consentAlabama's 60-calendar-day evaluation timelineThe 30-calendar-day eligibility determination timelineEvaluation vs. eligibility vs. IEPThe importance of parent input.	Event	—
Tue, Oct 13, 2026	BOE Work Session This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.Citizen comments will begin at 4:30PM and will not be broadcast. The meeting and broadcast will then begin immediately after the conclusion of the citizen comments.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.	Event	—
Fri, Oct 16, 2026	Report Cards Available	Event	—
Tue, Oct 20, 2026	Parent Connections Session: Navigating Special Education & Understanding Eligibility Criteria Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn how special education eligibility is determined in Alabama and what the eligibility process means for your child. This training will provide parents with an overview of Alabama’s eligibility criteria, evaluation process, and the role families play in understanding their child’s educational needs and accessing appropriate special education services.	Event	—
Mon, Oct 26, 2026	Pre-K Classrooms Closed Huntsville City Schools Pre-K classes will be closed Monday, October 26, 2026, through Friday, October 30, 2026, while our teachers attend the Alabama Early Childhood Education Conference. This professional development opportunity provides our educators with valuable training, resources, and strategies to strengthen their teaching practices and continue providing high-quality learning experiences for your child. Pre-K classes will resume on Monday, November 2, 2026. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as our educators take this time to learn, grow, and strengthen their ability to support your child’s learning and development.	Event	—
Tue, Oct 27, 2026	Parent Connections Session: Project Search Transition Program Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn how Project SEARCH helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school through hands-on job training, workplace experiences, and career development. This training will provide parents with an overview of the program, eligibility, services, and how it can support their student’s transition to employment and greater independence.	Event	—
Tue, Oct 27, 2026	BOE Meeting This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.Citizen comments will begin at 4:30PM and will not be broadcast. The meeting and broadcast will then begin immediately after the conclusion of the citizen comments.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.	Event	—
Tue, Nov 10, 2026	Parent Connections Session: Functional Vision in the School - Visual Development & Supports Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn how visual perception and visual development can impact a student’s ability to learn, navigate the school environment, and complete everyday classroom tasks. This training will help parents understand common visual-perceptual challenges and explore practical supports and strategies that can help their child access instruction and participate more successfully at school.	Event	—
Tue, Nov 10, 2026	BOE Annual Meeting/Swearing-In & Reorganization This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.	Event	—
Tue, Nov 10, 2026	BOE Work Session This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.Citizen comments will begin at 4:30PM and will not be broadcast. The meeting and broadcast will then begin immediately after the conclusion of the citizen comments.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.	Event	—
Wed, Nov 11, 2026	Veterans Day Observed All schools & offices closed.	Event	—
Mon, Nov 16, 2026	Progress Reports Available	Event	—
Tue, Nov 17, 2026	Parent Connections Session: Supporting Children With Hearing Loss Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn how hearing loss can affect a child’s communication, learning, and participation in the school environment. This training will help parents understand hearing needs, assistive hearing technology, classroom supports, and strategies for working with schools to help their child succeed.	Event	—
Tue, Nov 17, 2026	BOE Meeting This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.Citizen comments will begin at 4:30PM and will not be broadcast. The meeting and broadcast will then begin immediately after the conclusion of the citizen comments.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.	Event	—
Mon, Nov 23, 2026	Thanksgiving Holiday Observed (Teachers & Students) No school for teachers or students.	Event	—
Wed, Nov 25, 2026	Thanksgiving Holiday Observed (Central Office) All schools & offices closed.	Event	—
Tue, Dec 1, 2026	BOE Work Session This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.Citizen comments will begin at 4:30PM and will not be broadcast. The meeting and broadcast will then begin immediately after the conclusion of the citizen comments.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.	Event	—
Tue, Dec 8, 2026	Parent Connections Session: Section 504 - Building a Team Around the Student Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn how Section 504 supports students with disabilities in accessing and participating in school. This training will help parents understand the 504 process, the roles of the student support team, and how families and schools can work together to identify appropriate accommodations and create a supportive learning environment.	Event	—
Tue, Dec 15, 2026	BOE Meeting This meeting of the HCS Board of Education will be held in the central office board room. More information about meetings, including how to sign up for citizen comments, may be found on the Board of Education page.Citizen comments will begin at 4:30PM and will not be broadcast. The meeting and broadcast will then begin immediately after the conclusion of the citizen comments.All HCS board meetings are able to be viewed over-the-air on Wow channel 3, Comcast channel 17, on the ETV Live+ Stream, and on the district’s Facebook page.	Event	—
Fri, Dec 18, 2026	End of Second Grading Period	Event	—
Fri, Dec 18, 2026	Half Day for All Students	Event	—
Mon, Dec 21, 2026	Winter Holidays Observed (Teachers & Students) No school for teachers & students.	Event	—
Tue, Dec 22, 2026	Winter Holidays Observed (Central Office) All schools & offices closed.	Event	—
Mon, Jan 4, 2027	Staff Development Day No school for students.	Event	—
Tue, Jan 5, 2027	Students Return Classes resume.	Event	—
Fri, Jan 8, 2027	Report Cards Available	Event	—
Mon, Jan 18, 2027	Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observed All schools & offices closed.	Event	—
Thu, Jan 21, 2027	Parent Connections Session: Navigating the 2e Journey Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Executive Function Strategies for Gifted Learners Who Struggle with organization, planning, and follow-through.A gifted student can have exceptional reasoning, creativity, or academic ability while simultaneously struggling with executive-function skills. Parents often see the frustrating gap between “I know my child can do this” and “Why can't my child get this done?”	Event	—
Tue, Jan 26, 2027	Parent Connections Session: Transition Services Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn how transition services help students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. This training will give parents an overview of planning for education, employment, independent living, and community participation, as well as how families can actively participate in their student’s transition planning and IEP.	Event	—
Tue, Feb 9, 2027	Parent Connections Session: Understanding Your Child's Vision - Why an Up-to-Date Eye Report Matters Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn why current vision information is important for supporting your child’s learning and success at school. This training will help parents understand what an eye report can tell the school, how vision needs may affect classroom performance, and how updated information can help educators provide appropriate support and accommodations.	Event	—
Wed, Feb 10, 2027	Progress Reports Available	Event	—
Mon, Feb 15, 2027	Presidents Day Observed All schools & offices closed.	Event	—
Fri, Mar 12, 2027	End of Third Grading Period	Event	—
Mon, Mar 15, 2027	Spring Break (Teachers & Students) No school for teachers or students.	Event	—
Fri, Mar 19, 2027	Spring Break (Central Office) All schools & offices closed.	Event	—
Fri, Mar 26, 2027	Report Cards Available	Event	—
Tue, Mar 30, 2027	Parent Connections Session: Transitioning from Pre-K to Kindergarten Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn how families can help their child prepare for a successful transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten. This training will provide parents with information about the transition process, school readiness, special education services, and ways families and schools can work together to support their child’s academic, social, and developmental needs.	Event	—
Fri, Apr 2, 2027	Half Day for Students Check the calendar for dismissal time details.	Event	—
Tue, Apr 20, 2027	Parent Connections Session: Behavior Services - Understanding & Supporting Student Behavior Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.In This Session:Learn how behavior can impact a child’s learning, relationships, and success at school. This training will help parents understand the reasons behind challenging behaviors and learn practical strategies for promoting positive behavior, emotional regulation, and successful participation at school.	Event	—
Wed, Apr 28, 2027	Progress Reports Available	Event	—
Wed, May 26, 2027	Half Day for High School Students (Exams) Review the school calendar for exam schedule and early release times.	Event	—
Thu, May 27, 2027	2027 Graduation Exercises Please note the VBC has a Clear Bag Policy.Thursday, May 2711:30 AM: Artemis Virtual Academy1:00 PM: New Century Technology High School3:00 PM: Lee High School5:30 PM: Huntsville High SchoolFriday, May 281:00 PM: Jemison High School3:00 PM: Columbia High School5:30 PM: Grissom High SchoolAll ceremonies will take place in the Arena at the Von Braun Center. HCS invites viewers to watch the ceremonies live on ETV (OTA channel 25.5, Comcast channel 17, WOW channel 3), on the HCS Facebook page, and online at ETV Live+	Event	—
Thu, May 27, 2027	End of Fourth Grading Period	Event	—
Thu, May 27, 2027	Half Day for All Students	Event	—
Thu, May 27, 2027	Report Cards Available	Event	—
Fri, May 28, 2027	Staff Development Day No school for students.	Event	—
Mon, May 31, 2027	Memorial Day Observed All schools & offices closed.	Event	—
Fri, Jun 18, 2027	Juneteenth Observed All schools & offices closed.	Event	—

Showing 66 events for the 2026-27 school year

Frequently Asked Questions about Challenger Elementary School

Challenger Elementary School has a total enrollment of 499 students and serves grades Primary. The school is part of Huntsville City in Huntsville, AL.