The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a county which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 23%
26%
Avg. Statewide: 24%
Top-Ranked Counties With Best Public Schools in Alabama (2026)
County
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
26%
(12 out of 46)
(12 out of 46)
- Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park
Rank: #5 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 80% | Reading: 87%) - Mt Laurel Elementary School
Rank: #6 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 85% | Reading: 86%) - Greystone Elementary School
Rank: #21 of 1,275 (Top 5%)
(Math: 77% | Reading: 81%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Shelby County, AL Schools
Rank: #22.
23%
(3 out of 13)
(3 out of 13)
- Guin Elementary School
Rank: #76 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%) - Winfield Elementary School
Rank: #94 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 72%) - Hamilton Elementary School
Rank: #117 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 62% | Reading: 65%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Marion County, AL Schools
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