Serving 1,952 students in grades 9-12, Virgil Grissom High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is higher than the Alabama state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 46%).
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Alabama state level of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Alabama state average of 47% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2024)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,952 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Btm 50% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Virgil Grissom High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Virgil Grissom High School's student population of 1,952 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 95 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,952 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
95 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Virgil Grissom High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,276 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Virgil Grissom High School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#428 out of 1276 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
46%
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
18:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
5%
1%
Hispanic
17%
10%
Black
18%
32%
White
58%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
89%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
44%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Virgil I. Grissom High School is a public 9th through 12th grade high school in Huntsville, Alabama. It is known academically as one of Alabama's finest public high schools.
- The high school's building is well-known for having no windows. This was changed, however, with the addition of a new science wing in 1997. This added about 5 windows to the school. Grissom's building is divided into "pods", lettered A-H on the first floor and AA-HH on the second. The building itself follows a roughly octagonal format. Students jokingly refer to the school as "Grissom Penitentiary" because of the symmetric design.
- Grissom is also home to many productive sports teams.The school also has numerous social, academic, and athletic organizations, or clubs.
- Academically, the school has had much success. Grissom's math teams and academic team are among the best in the state of Alabama, and they have also earned national recognition.
- The school is named for astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom, and its mascot is affectionately called "Gus." Gus Grissom was nearly drowned during a space capsule retrieval in the Pacific Ocean when the hatches prematurely opened following explosive bolt actuation. He was killed in the Apollo 1 fire at Cape Kennedy on January 27, 1967. It is unfortunate that his death has been so controversal having followed his whistleblower type activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virgil Grissom High School's ranking?
Virgil Grissom High School is ranked #428 out of 1,276 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Virgil Grissom High School often compared to?
Virgil Grissom High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Huntsville High School, Bob Jones High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% AL state average), while 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 46% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Virgil Grissom High School?
The graduation rate of Virgil Grissom High School is 88%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 89%.
How many students attend Virgil Grissom High School?
1,952 students attend Virgil Grissom High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Virgil Grissom High School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Virgil Grissom High School?
Virgil Grissom High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 18:1.
What grades does Virgil Grissom High School offer ?
Virgil Grissom High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Virgil Grissom High School part of?
Virgil Grissom High School is part of Huntsville City School District.
School Reviews
5 2/21/2019
Wonderful school and arts programs. I learned so much and took pride in what I was taught.
2 4/16/2018
the schools show little interest in the wants/needs of students.There is loads of bullying. Teachers do not explain things well enough to students
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