For the 2026 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)
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).
Recent Articles
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.