In the state of Alabama, science and innovation are not just a hobby but an integral part of its history. Did you know that Huntsville was where NASA developed its revolutionary Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV)? This remarkable technology made it possible for Apollo astronauts to explore the moon's surface on three separate missions.
Alabama is a hub for higher learning where students can thrive. From cutting-edge research in STEM fields to top universities dedicated to excellence, the state has plenty of opportunities that empower individuals and help them realize their career goals.
What makes a good school can vary depending on each student's needs and goals. In this article, we will explore some of the top schools in Alabama. The selection is based on GreatSchools test scores, parent and student reviews, Google community feedback, student-teacher ratios, diversity, and overall academic performance.
Best Elementary Schools
Eichold-Mertz School Of Math And Science
2815 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36606
Eichold-Mertz School of Math and Science is a highly respected public school in the Mobile County School District of Alabama. This PK-5 school has gained a reputation for academic excellence and a supportive learning environment. Its student population reaches nearly 530.
GreatSchools.org has given this school an outstanding 10/10 rating, highlighting its academic excellence and dedication to student success. Test scores show that the students excel. In fact, 88% meet reading proficiency standards, 85% do so in science, and 93% do so in math. All of those numbers are higher than their state peers.
Its teacher-student ratio of 14:1 is lower than the state average of 16:1. Additionally, all teachers there have at least three years of experience. That ensures that students receive instruction from experienced and dedicated educators.
Eichold-Mertz School of Math and Science is committed to cultivating an environment that celebrates diversity while nurturing curiosity. With 55% Black students, 29% White students, and a mission focused on developing confident problem solvers for the future. This school is preparing its student body to thrive in the 21st century with knowledge grounded in inclusion.
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Mt Carmel Elementary School
335 Homer Nance Rd, Huntsville, AL 35811, United States
Mt Carmel Elementary School is a public school in the Madison County School District in Alabama. With an enrollment of 548 students from PK-3, the school has an excellent track record of academic excellence, with standardized test scores above the state average.
At this school, students receive personalized learning attention with a ratio of 14:1. With teachers with an impressive average experience level and all possessing certification; it's no wonder the student body scored above 70% in both English and Mathematics proficiency tests.
Students can take part in music courses such as choir and chorus. Special programs like the Special Olympics and Television/Radio News clubs are also available to students.
Mt Carmel Elementary School celebrates the power of diversity, creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. Representing different backgrounds and cultures, its student population comprises 64% White, 24% Black, and 6% Hispanic learners. The school also offers dedicated support for those with special needs to ensure everyone has access to quality education.
The school is committed to providing top-notch educational excellence for all its students, with rigorous lessons and learning goals that meet the needs of every child. This is part of an unwavering mission from the administration, reflected on their website in great detail.
Macmillan International Academy
4015 McInnis Dr, Montgomery, AL 36116, United States
Macmillan International Academy in Alabama offers a world-class education, consistently ranking as one of the top public schools in the state. The school offers education to students from kindergarten to fifth grade, with an enrollment of 371 students.
Macmillan International Academy is known for providing quality education, evident in its GreatSchools.org rating of 10/10. The school's standardized test scores are also above the state average, with 76% of students attaining proficiency in English, 74% in math, and 73% in science. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, which is in line with the state average.
Macmillan International Academy is a school that provides quality education in a safe and caring environment. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, which allow students to explore their interests and passions outside of the classroom. In addition, the school has a full-time nurse who ensures students' health needs are met.
Macmillan International Academy's website states that the school offers high levels of interdisciplinary instruction in a safe and caring environment, inspiring students to become reflective, compassionate, and innovative leaders who can achieve educational goals in a global society.
Clark Shaw Magnet School
5960 Arlberg St, Mobile, AL 36608, United States
Clark Shaw Magnet School is an excellent public school in Alabama's Mobile County. Serving 5th to 8th-grade students, it has a thriving student body of 787 and boasts a healthy teacher-to-student ratio – 19:1. That's better than the state average of 16:1 – so you know your child will get the attention they deserve.
Clark Shaw Magnet School students performed better than the state average in math, reading, and science. Math proficiency was exceptionally high, with 84% of students attaining proficiency. Also, the school promotes diversity and inclusivity, with a student body of 45% white, 45% black, and 4% of two or more races.
Clark Shaw Magnet School offers its students a range of extracurricular activities, including robotics, a dance team, eagle wings, and a science bowl. The school also provides opportunities for students to participate in sports teams such as basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, track, softball, and baseball.
The school's mission as a school of choice is to provide students with a challenging curriculum that prepares them to become responsible, courteous, and lifelong learners. Overall, Clark Shaw Magnet School is an excellent option for parents seeking a school that values academic excellence, diversity, inclusivity, and a supportive learning environment.
Best Middle Schools
Floyd Middle School
215 Hall St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States
Floyd Middle School, located in the Montgomery County School District in Alabama, is a top public school for grades 6-8. The school has a student body of 505 and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1.
Floyd Middle School is highly regarded for its academic excellence. According to GreatSchools.org, the school received a 9/10 rating, with students making more academic progress from one grade to the next compared to students at other schools in the state.
The school provides stimulating activities for all interests – from sports like basketball and football to academic pursuits such as MathCounts or the Technology Students Association. These extracurricular offerings allow students to build skills and explore their passions outside of class time.
Regarding diversity and inclusivity, the student population at Floyd Middle School comprises 65% Black, 25% White, and 5% Hispanic students. A dynamic and inclusive learning environment is created where students can learn from and appreciate one another's backgrounds and perspectives.
In summary, Floyd Middle School is an excellent choice for families looking for a public school with a strong commitment to academic excellence, experienced teachers, and a diverse and inclusive community.
Phillips Preparatory Middle School
3255 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36607, United States
Phillips Preparatory Middle School, a public school serving students in grades 6-8 under the Mobile County School District in Alabama, has earned much acclaim for its academic excellence. GreatSchools.org awarded it an impressive 9/10 rating thanks to its dedication to ensuring that all 755 enrolled pupils progress beyond what is expected of typical schools within the state.
The student-teacher ratio is 18:1, slightly higher than the state average of 16:1. However, all teachers have at least three years of experience, and 100% are certified. The school's standardized test scores are far above the state average, with reading, math, and science proficiency rates at 78%, 79%, and 73%, respectively.
Phillips Preparatory Middle School also has a variety of student clubs, including a book club, art club, chess club, anime club, and gaming club. Sports teams like football and athletics are also available to students.
The school aims to produce globally-minded, compassionate, goal-oriented, self-directed, and technologically literate individuals. Phillips Preparatory Middle School achieves this mission by providing an innovative college and career-focused curriculum that encourages curiosity, instills discipline, and cultivates lifelong learners who seek to make the world a better and more peaceful.
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Carver Magnet School For Math Sci And Tech
303 Rollins Ave, Dothan, AL 36301, United States
Carver Magnet School For Math Sci And Tech is a public school in the Dothan City School District of Alabama. According to GreatSchools.org, Carver Magnet School has a perfect 10/10 rating. This rating is attributed to the school's high achievement in various subjects, with 90% of students attaining math proficiency, 78% attaining reading proficiency, and 67% attaining science proficiency.
Carver Magnet School is committed to diversity and inclusivity. The student demographic comprises 6% Hispanic, 24% Black, and 64% White. This diverse student population reflects the wider community and helps create a rich and varied learning environment for all students.
One of the standout features of Carver Magnet School is its focus on technology. The curriculum is enhanced in all areas, with technology being an integral part of the instructional program. The mission of Carver Magnet School is to empower students on their quest for success in all core curriculum areas, providing opportunities to explore areas of music and technology.
According to a former parent review, the staff at Carver Magnet School is like family and always willing to help. This school has been a miracle for their grandchild as he is more stable and has done wonders for him. He is proud of the awards he achieved by working hard, and the reviewer cannot thank the staff and teachers enough.
Overall, Carver Magnet School for Math, Science, and Technology is an exceptional school that provides students with a high-quality education and a supportive community.
Best High Schools
Loveless Academic Magnet Prog High School
3440 McGehee Rd, Montgomery, AL 36111, United States
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School is a public school in Montgomery, Alabama. This school serves grades 5-13 and has an enrollment of 513 students. The school aims to empower its students to succeed in academics, athletics, and citizenship.
Loveless has a graduation rate of 99%, and students are highly proficient in English, Math, and Science, with proficiency rates ranging from 83% to 84%. Further, the academy offers 23 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and students participate in AP science courses at a rate of 16% and AP math courses at a rate of 50%.
The student-teacher ratio at Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School is 14:1, lower than the state average of 16:1. The school has highly qualified teachers, with 86% of teachers having at least three years of experience and all full-time teachers being certified. The school also has a full-time nurse and a full-time security guard to ensure the safety and welfare of its students.
Loveless Academic Magnet Prog High School offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports like baseball, cross country, volleyball, and basketball. There are also student clubs like robotics, Scholars Bowl, and a yearbook club.
Mountain Brook High School
3650 Bethune Dr, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, United States
Mountain Brook High School, located in the Mountain Brook City School District, is a top-performing public school in Alabama. With an enrollment of 1059 students in grades 10-12, the school has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. That allows for an intimate and personalized learning environment for its students.
Mountain Brook High School has a 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org, strongly focusing on college and career readiness. 90% of students attain math proficiency, and 94% achieve science proficiency. The school offers 28 AP courses, with participation rates of 18% in AP math and 22% in AP science. The SAT/ACT participation rate is 20%, and the readiness rate is 75%.
In addition to academics, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Those include student clubs like the Art Club, Book/Reading Club, Speech and Debate Club, and Thespians' Guild. Athletics are also a big part of the school culture, with various sports teams available for students to join.
Mt Brook High School also has a full-time nurse and a full-time security guard, ensuring the safety and well-being of its students.
Overall, Mountain Brook High School is a top-performing school in the state. In fact, it ranks among the top 100 STEM schools in Alabama, and it's a top-performing non-magnet school there. The school's commitment to providing practical, challenging, and engaging education for every student has earned it a reputation for excellence.
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
3315 Hayneville Rd, Montgomery, AL 36108, United States
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School is a public high school in Alabama, serving students in grades 9-12. With an enrollment of 403 students, this school has committed to providing an exceptional education that empowers students to achieve their full potential.
According to GreatSchools.org, Booker T. Washington Magnet High School has received a perfect 10/10 rating. The school is far above the state average in key college and career readiness measures, with 91% of students attaining proficiency in science.
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School offers 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with 10% of students participating in AP science courses and only 2% in AP math courses. Additionally, 50% of students in grades 9-12 attend Dual Enrollment classes.
The school offers various performing arts courses. Those include creative writing, dance, drama, and poetry, as well as music courses, including choir, jazz band, and vocal lessons. The school also has a full-time nurse and a full-time security guard, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School has committed to providing a hands-on, interdisciplinary, arts-centered approach to instruction, utilizing technology to support the curriculum.
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Finding the Right School for Your Child in Alabama
Alabama provides students with various educational opportunities to propel them toward their future success. Home to some highly-respected universities, the innovative programs offer unique experiences from which students can gain essential skill sets. That opens up paths to flourish in whichever direction your child's passions may take them. It's time to choose wisely and strive toward achieving what once seemed impossible.
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