About Us

Coffee County/Community Demographics:
Coffee County was created by the Alabama legislature on December 29, 1841, from what had been part of Dale County. It was named for General John Coffee, a hero of the Creek War of 1813-14. Coffee County is located in the southeastern part of the state and is bordered on the north by Pike County, on the east by Dale County, on the south by Geneva County, and on the west by Covington and Crenshaw counties. It encompasses 680 square miles. The first county seat was at Wellborn. The county courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1851, and the following year the legislature authorized an election to select another site. The town of Elba, then called Bentonville, was chosen. Other towns in the county include Enterprise, Kinston, and New Brockton.

County population statistics

Based on 2024 U.S. Census (Urban/Rural based on 2020 U.S. Census)

Population - 56,358 (52.5% urban, 47.5% rural)
Land Area - 679 square miles
Water Area - 1.50 square miles
Population Density - Approximately 83 people per square mile

Type of workers:

Based on the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) and the Alabama Department of Labor's 2024 Workforce Profile, Coffee County has a diverse workforce supported by manufacturing, military-related employment, healthcare, retail, education, and government. Fort Rucker has a significant influence on the county's employment base.

Employment by Industry (Civilian Workforce)

Retail Trade 13.7%
Manufacturing 12.6%
Health Care and Social Assistance 12.1%
Educational Services 10.4%
Government 9.2%
Accommodation and Food Service 6.8%
Transportation and Warehousing 6.1%
Construction 4.9%
Professional and Technical Services 4.2%
Administrative and Support Services 3.2%
Finance and Insurance 2.5%
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing 2.4%
Other Industries 11.8%

Workforce Characteristics

Total jobs: Approximately 14,355
Male workers: 47.7%
Female workers: 52.3%
Age 29 or younger: 25.2%
Age 30–54: 52.7%
Age 55 and older: 22.1%

Educational Attainment of Workers

Less than a High School Diploma 11.1%
High School Diploma 23.5%
Some College/Associate Degree 24.4%
Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree 15.7%
Under age 30 (education not yet established) 25.2%

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020–2024 QuickFacts, the racial and ethnic composition of Coffee County, Alabama, is:

White 75.8%
Black/African American 17.0%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1.5%
Asian 1.8%
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 0.5%
Two or More Races 3.5%
Hispanic 10.6%
Not Hispanic 67.4%

Summary

White residents comprise about three-quarters of the county's population.
Black or African American residents make up approximately 17%.
The Hispanic or Latino population has grown over the past decade and now accounts for 10.6% of residents (Hispanic ethnicity overlaps with all racial categories).
Smaller but growing populations include Asian (1.8%), American Indian/Alaska Native (1.5%), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (0.5%) residents.

The median household income is $68,353 (2024 inflation-adjusted dollars).

Persons living is poverty is approximately 12.9% of the population.

Unique System Characteristics

Coffee County School System serves a distinctive mix of rural communities that value close relationships, strong community support, and career preparation. Several characteristics make both the school system and its communities unique:

Rural Communities with Strong Local Identity

The Coffee County School System serves the communities of Kinston, New Brockton, and Zion Chapel (Jack). Each school functions as the center of its community, with high levels of family involvement, school pride, and community support. Schools often serve multiple generations of the same families, fostering strong relationships between educators, students, and parents.

Influence of Fort Rucker

Coffee County is located adjacent to Fort Rucker, the U.S. Army's primary aviation training installation. The military presence contributes to:

A diverse student population with military-connected families.
Frequent student mobility as military families relocate.
Strong partnerships with military and veteran organizations.
Community appreciation for military service and leadership.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Focus

The district places a strong emphasis on workforce development through Career and Technical Education. Students have opportunities to:

Earn industry-recognized credentials.
Participate in dual enrollment.
Explore career pathways aligned with regional workforce needs.
Partner with Enterprise State Community College, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, Wallace Community College-Dothan, and neighboring school systems.

Agricultural Heritage

Agriculture remains an important part of the county's identity. Poultry, peanuts, cotton, timber, and cattle production continue to influence the local economy. As a result, many students participate in:

FFA
Agricultural science programs
Livestock exhibitions
Community agricultural events

These experiences provide leadership opportunities and reinforce strong connections between schools and local industries.

Small Schools with Personalized Learning

Because the district is relatively small, schools are able to provide:

Smaller learning environments.
Strong teacher-student relationships.
Personalized academic support.
Broad participation in athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities.

Students often have opportunities to participate in multiple activities, helping develop well-rounded leadership skills.

Community Resilience

Coffee County has demonstrated resilience following significant natural disasters, including the 2007 Enterprise tornado and repeated Pea River flooding. These events strengthened partnerships among schools, families, churches, businesses, and civic organizations, fostering a culture of collaboration and community support.

Growing and Diverse Population

While retaining its rural character, Coffee County has become increasingly diverse due to:

Growth associated with Fort Rucker.
Expanding Hispanic and Latino populations.
Employment opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail.

This diversity has broadened educational opportunities while maintaining the county's close-knit community culture.

Commitment to Student Success

The Coffee County School System emphasizes:

Academic excellence.
College and career readiness.
Character development and citizenship.
Community partnerships.
Continuous improvement through stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.

Overall, the Coffee County School System is distinguished by its combination of small-town values, strong community engagement, military influence, agricultural traditions, and a growing emphasis on career and technical education, creating an educational environment that prepares students for college, careers, military service, and community leadership.

Another unique characteristic of Coffee County is that it is the home to three separate public school systems: Coffee County Schools, Elba City Schools, and Enterprise City Schools. Approximately 7000 students in Coffee County are served by Elba and Enterprise City Schools, while Coffee County Schools serves almost 3000 students.

Student Characteristics:
Coffee County Schools has a current enrollment of 2301 students for Pre-K through Grade 12.
System-wide enrollment includes:

84% White
6% Black
6% American Indian
3% More Than One Race
89% Not Hispanic
11% Hispanice

Additional Student Demographics

Economically Disadvantaged: 66.69%
Students with Disabilities: 14.88%
English Learners: 5.46%
Military-Connected Students: 3.96%
Homeless Students: 3.04%

Transportation
A fleet of 32 buses are available to run our 24 bus routes and three midday routes which cover 1,626 miles daily and transports 984 students. All of our regular route buses are air-conditioned and are under the 10-year fleet renewal window. All regular route buses are equipped with GPS trackers and equipped with four cameras. By the end of the 2018 fiscal year, all regular route buses will be a 2013 year model or newer. Our bus fleet is maintained very well by our two mechanics. Annual inspections by state inspectors have found no major deficiencies in the bus fleet and less than 10% deficiencies in the past five years.

Child Nutrition Program
Our four schools have served a total of 370,000 meals this year. Kinston, New Brockton Elementary School, and Zion Chapel School provide nutritious snacks two days a week from the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant for students Pre-K through 6th grade. Free after-school snacks are provided to students enrolled in afterschool programs at Kinston, New Brockton Elementary, and Zion Chapel School. The CNP is the 2017 recipient of the Alabama Best Practice Award for Farm To School Programs.

Gifted Program
The Coffee County Gifted Program provides services according to the guidelines of the State Department of Education. Our program provides two certified teachers in the Coffee County Gifted Program. This program provides services for students who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Gifted students are found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities may refer students. Additionally, all second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist. For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of aptitude, characteristics, and performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the students qualify for gifted services. The school system prohibits discrimination with respect to participation in the Gifted Program. Our Gifted Program currently serves 99 students in 3rd through 6th grades in a pull-out program for approximately three hours each week. These students participate in activities that are based on higher order thinking processes and are involved in units of study on different topics such as Presidential Elections, the U. S. Judicial System, and Art History. Technology is threaded through the gifted program as students develop new skills such as coding and utilizing maker spaces to create, invent, and produce and use those skills to solve real-world problems. Students in grades K-2 and 7-12 are served through teacher consultation and collaboration. The Coffee County Schools Program for Gifted received no citations during the last compliance monitoring by the Alabama State Department of Education.

Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Plan
Coffee County School System's Counseling and Guidance program are developed and implemented in an effort to prepare every student socially, academically, and emotionally for present and future challenges. Students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of self and others, to participate in the educational and occupational exploration, and to pursue career planning opportunities in an environment that is safe, caring, and encouraging. Counselors work in collaborative partnerships with students, educators, parents, and community members to empower students to reach their highest level as productive members of society. The CCSS's Counseling and Guidance programs are based on the following principles:

Every student has the right to experience respect and dignity as a human being and to benefit from the counseling and guidance services
Every student has the right to participate in activities that promote self-direction and self-development
Every student has the right to make choices and accept responsibility for choices made
Every student has the right to participate in a comprehensive school counseling and guidance program designed to assist all students in attaining their maximum potential in academic, career, and personal/social development. The CCSS's Counseling and Guidance program is an essential integrated component of the total instructional program and involves a planned, purposeful, and sequential program of activities that begins in pre-school and continues through the twelfth grade. Our comprehensive school counseling and guidance programs are data-driven by student needs and provide outcome-based accountability.

Federal Programs
The CCSS Federal Programs received no citations during the last compliance monitoring by the Alabama State Department of Education.

Homeless Education Program McKinney - Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. The CCSS is a recipient of the McKinney -Vento competitive grant that provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students. There were 92 students served in Coffee County Schools' Homeless Education Program for 2016-2017. Funds from this grant are used to provide health and school supplies, clothes, medical assistance, program fees, tutoring, counseling services for these students.

21st Century Community Learning Centers
The Coffee County Schools received one competitive grant for 21st Century Community Learning Centers at Kinston School. New Brockton and Zion Chapel Schools are operating off of sustainability and tuition fees to maintain the programs. These programs support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. These programs assist students to meet state and local standards in core academic subjects. This program offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs. The 21st Century Programs also offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. System-wide these programs serve approximately 440 students in grades Pre-K-8.

Parent Involvement Program
In an effort to actively engage, encourage, and support parents as advocates, policymakers, advisors, and active participants in the education of their children, Coffee County Schools has implemented a Parent Involvement Plan. This plan includes all components required by Title I, Part A of ESSA including: hosting annual meeting of Parent-Teacher Advisory Council, conducting annual HOPE surveys, publishing the annual Parent/Student Information Guide, distributing newsletters to students, sponsoring professional development activities for teachers and support staff, maintaining a district and school website with Parent Portal, distributing Home/School Compacts annually, using SchoolCast to inform parents of school activities, emergencies, and attendance issues.

Program for Exceptional Children
The following services are provided for exceptional children and youth in accordance with the federal and state mandates concerning education for individuals with disabilities. Procedures for evaluation and diagnosis are provided to each school within the system. These procedures are reviewed yearly and presented to all administrators and staff at local school faculty meetings.

Students who may qualify for services include the following: Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disability, Gifted, Intellectual Disability, Speech/Language Impaired, Hearing Impaired, Orthopedically Impaired, Deaf/Blind, Multiple Disabilities, Other Health Impaired, Visually Impaired, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Developmentally Delayed. The special education staff has received training in effective practices for teaching reading and math, behavior management, and compliance issues. Two special education case managers are certified in the Multisensory Structured Language Education research-based methodology and are implementing the strategies for MSLE. A cadre of faculty and staff at each school has been trained in Crisis Management Techniques for dealing with escalating aggressive behavior. These professionals will receive updates to maintain their training status each year. Additionally, ongoing training is provided for special education staff in current compliance issues, effective techniques for working with children with autism, and other relevant topics. The lead developmental preschool case manager has been trained in GOLD, a whole-child assessment tool that assesses cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and academic domains on a level that is developmentally appropriate.

The Coffee County Schools Program for Students with Disabilities was included in the most recent comprehensive monitoring process and received no citations.

Title III, Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students
All schools in the Coffee County School district conduct the Home Language Survey to identify National Origin Minority students. Those with a non-English language background are assessed for English proficiency and assigned appropriate service. All English language learners (ELs) are placed in the regular education program at the age-appropriate grade level. Those whose ACCESS scores indicate a need for English language support receives EL services. In making the decision to place a student in EL, both linguistic proficiency and academic achievement of the student are taken into account. The decision to place a student in ESL is made by the EL Committee consisting of the ESL staff member serving the school, the principal or designee, and the parent.

Career and Technical Education Program
Alabama's Career and Technical Education program are designed to empower students to meet the daily challenges of the twenty-first century with the work-readiness skills needed for success. This program provides a curriculum wherein students are actively engaged in learning through career-oriented activities.

The Coffee County School System offers career and technical education programs at Kinston High School, New Brockton High School, and Zion Chapel High School. These programs are designed to prepare youth for a broad range of employment and further education and are offered under the guidance of certified teachers.

Coffee County Schools offer seven (7) Career Clusters and programs in our Career and Technical Education Program jointly with Elba High School. We have also established a Career Technical Dual Enrollment Program in partnership with Enterprise State Community College, Lurleen B Wallace Community College, and Wallace Community College of Dothan. In 2016, Coffee County Schools partnered with five local school systems, Enterprise State College, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, and George Wallace Community College to offer career and technical education programs to meet the workforce demands of our local business and industries.