For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,604 students in 35020, AL (there are 2 private schools, serving 129 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in 35020, AL are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 35020, AL are Lipscomb Elementary School, Brighton School and Abrams Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 35020 have an average math proficiency score of 11% (versus the Alabama public school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 35020, AL have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Alabama public school average of 50% (majority Black).
Best 35020, AL Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lipscomb Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5605 10th St S
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 379-4550
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 379-4550
Gr: PK-5 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #22.
Brighton School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3400 Brown Cir
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 379-2650
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 379-2650
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #33.
Abrams Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1200 23rd Street North
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3100
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3100
Gr: PK-5 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #44.
Jonesboro Elementary School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
125 Owen Ave
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3400
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Charles F Hard Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2801 Arlington Ave
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3300
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3300
Gr: PK-5 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Bessemer City Middle School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
100 High School Drive
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3601
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3601
Gr: 6-8 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: n/an/a
Alabama Aerospace And Aviation High School
Charter School
114 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 538-0702
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 538-0702
Gr: 9-12 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: n/an/a
Empower Community Schoollower School
Charter School
2410 7th Ave North
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 413-8600
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 413-8600
Gr: K-4 | 201 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
New Horizon Alternative School
Alternative School
1701 6th Ave N
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3036
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 432-3036
Gr: 7-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 35020, AL?
The top-ranked public schools in 35020, AL include Lipscomb Elementary School, Brighton School and Abrams Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 35020?
9 public schools are located in 35020.
What percentage of students in 35020 go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in 35020 are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 35020?
35020 public schools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Alabama public schools average of 50% (majority Black).
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