Hayes High School in Birmingham, Alabama, closed in 2015 after serving grades 9 through 11, with enrollment previously around 700 to 870 students and a student–teacher ratio near 14:1 to 17:1.
The school's state ranking and test performance declined over time, with math proficiency dropping from 40% in 2012 to 3% in 2023, well below the state average of 30%.
Reading proficiency also fell sharply from 59% in 2012 to 17% in 2022, lower than the Alabama state average of 47%.
Minority enrollment and socioeconomic data reflected a predominantly low–income population, with free lunch eligibility near 90% in earlier years before closure.
Graduation rates varied widely but remained approximately equal to or slightly above the state average in most recent years prior to closure.
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades 9-11
Total Students (07-08)
702 students
Total Classroom Teachers (07-08)
49 teachers
School Rankings
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
17:1
American Indian
(07-08)n/a
1%
Asian
(07-08)1%
1%
Hispanic
(07-08)3%
4%
Black
(07-08)95%
36%
White
(07-08)1%
58%
Hawaiian
(07-08)n/a
n/a
Two or more races
(07-08)n/a
n/a
Eligible for Free Lunch (07-08)
79%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (07-08)
7%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students attend Hayes High School?
702 students attend Hayes High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Hayes High School students are Black, 3% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What grades does Hayes High School offer ?
Hayes High School offers enrollment in grades 9-11
What school district is Hayes High School part of?
Hayes High School is part of Birmingham City School District.
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
