Alabama is the #24 largest school system in the United States, serving 743,516 students across the 1,520 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 457 private schools, serving 81,074 students). 90% of all K-12 students in Alabama attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Alabama is 27%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 47%.
The top-ranked public schools in Alabama are Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, Crestline Elementary School, and Eura Brown Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 49%, with the majority being Black and the student:teacher ratio is 17:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in Alabama (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
3440 Mcgehee Rd
Montgomery, AL 36111
(334) 284-7500
Montgomery, AL 36111
(334) 284-7500
Rank: #22.
Crestline Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
3785 Jackson Blvd
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 871-8126
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 871-8126
Rank: #33.
Eura Brown Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
1231 Alcott Rd
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 546-0011
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 546-0011
Rank: #44.
Forest Avenue Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 77% (Top 1%)
Reading: 92% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
1700 W 5th St
Montgomery, AL 36106
(334) 269-3673
Montgomery, AL 36106
(334) 269-3673
Rank: #55.
Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park
(Math: 79% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
17051 Liberty Pkwy
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 402-5400
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 402-5400
Rank: #66.
Mt Laurel Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 81% (Top 1%)
Reading: 86% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-5
1 Jefferson Place
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-7230
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-7230
Rank: #77.
Cherokee Bend Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 77% (Top 1%)
Reading: 86% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-6
4400 Fair Oaks Dr
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 871-3595
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 871-3595
Rank: #88.
Vestavia Hills Elementary East
(Math: 74% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
2109 Tyson Dr
Birmingham, AL 35216
(205) 402-5200
Birmingham, AL 35216
(205) 402-5200
Rank: #99.
Pizitz Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 73% (Top 5%)
Reading: 87% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
2826 Columbiana Road
Birmingham, AL 35216
(205) 402-5350
Birmingham, AL 35216
(205) 402-5350
Rank: #1010.
Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
315 Mcfarland Blvd E
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
(205) 759-3655
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
(205) 759-3655
Overview
This State (AL)
# Schools
1,520 Schools
# Students
743,516 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
42,637 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (AL)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
Graduation Rate
88%
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.63
# American Indian Students
5,986 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
# Asian Students
10,976 Students
% Asian Students
1%
# Hispanic Students
83,354 Students
% Hispanic Students
11%
# Black Students
234,256 Students
% Black Students
32%
# White Students
379,490 Students
% White Students
51%
# Hawaiian Students
824 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
28,630 Students
% of Two or more races Students
4%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (AL)
Total Revenue (22-23)
$9,671 MM
Spending (22-23)
$9,086 MM
Revenue / Student (22-23)
$13,006
Spending / Student (22-23)
$12,220
Best Alabama Public Schools by County (2025)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Alabama?
The top-ranked public schools in Alabama include Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, Crestline Elementary School, and Eura Brown Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Alabama?
1,520 public schools are located in Alabama.
What percentage of students in Alabama go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Alabama attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Alabama?
Minority enrollment in Alabama is 49%, with the majority being Black.
Which public schools in Alabama are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Alabama include: Hackleburg High School vs. Hamilton High School, Dallas County High School vs. Selma High School, Lineville Elementary School vs. Ashland Elementary School
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