Brighton School is ranked #958 in Alabama as of 2023, improving from a low of #1205 in 2011 but remaining in the bottom 50% statewide for overall testing performance.
Math proficiency was 18% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency ranged from 20% to 24%, also lower than the state average near 47%, and science proficiency was between 11% and 19%, lower than the state average around 38%.
Enrollment declined from 518 students in 2016 to 358 in 2023, with minority enrollment at 97%, predominantly Black and Hispanic students, and about 83% of students eligible for free lunch reflecting sustained socioeconomic challenges.
The school serves grades prekindergarten through 8 with a total enrollment of 358 students and a student–teacher ratio of 19:1 as of 2023.
Graduation rates decreased to 85% in 2023, slightly below the state average of 88% and district average of 90%, indicating a downward trend from previous years when rates exceeded or matched state averages.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 336 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Brighton Middle School serves the southern part of Bessemer, AL, covering an area of approximately 4.6 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 1.2 miles to the school, and the furthest edge of the zone located about 2.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Brighton School's student population of 336 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 26% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
336 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2025
School Rankings
Brighton School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Brighton School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#958 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
30%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
17:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
49%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Black
46%
31%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
3%
50%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
4%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.9%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
53%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
Showing 2014–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Bright in Brighton
School Mascot
Bear
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brighton School's ranking?
Brighton School is ranked #958 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Brighton School?
336 students attend Brighton School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Brighton School students are Hispanic, 46% of students are Black, 3% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Brighton School?
Brighton School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Brighton School offer ?
Brighton School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Brighton School part of?
Brighton School is part of Jefferson County School District.
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