J F Shields High School in Beatrice, AL ranked #1016 in the state in 2023, improving from #1153 in 2022 but remaining in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools.
Math proficiency was 15–19%, reading proficiency was 15–19%, and science proficiency was 10%, all lower than the state averages of 30% for math, 47% for reading, and 38% for science respectively.
Enrollment declined from 224 students in 2022 to 202 in 2023, with a 96% minority enrollment primarily Black students, and 92% of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch, reflecting a high socioeconomic need.
The school served grades PK–12 with 202 students and maintained a low student–teacher ratio of 12:1, ranking in the top 5% statewide for student attention.
Graduation rate was 50% in 2023, significantly lower than the Alabama state average of 88% and Monroe County district average of 82%.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 179 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: ≥50% (Btm 50% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: J F Shields High School serves the northeast part of Beatrice, AL, encompassing an attendance zone of approximately 337.4 square miles. Families in this area can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 18.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
J F Shields High School's student population of 179 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 15 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
179 students
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
J F Shields High 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 J F Shields High School is 0.06, 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
#1016 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
12%
Black
97%
31%
White
2%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥50%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.6%
22.6%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Panther
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is J F Shields High School's ranking?
J F Shields High School is ranked #1016 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?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of J F Shields High School?
The graduation rate of J F Shields High School is 50%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 90%.
How many students attend J F Shields High School?
179 students attend J F Shields High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of J F Shields High School students are Black, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of J F Shields High School?
J F Shields High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does J F Shields High School offer ?
J F Shields High School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is J F Shields High School part of?
J F Shields High School is part of Monroe County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
J.F. Shields has long provided a quality education to the students who attended the school. Just about everywhere you go you come across someone who recalls the lessons learned at J.F. Shields. I will always believe that it was my strong and solid foundation in band that helps me to appreciate music of all types today. I can't say enough about the sports and athletic programs at Shields. Walk in the school office any day and the huge number of trophies tells the story. To be a long standing school, the facilities look very well. The level of parent involvement remains remarkable. Most of the parents are alumnus. They take great pride in their Alma mater
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