2023 Best Public High Schools in Shelby County

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  275 reviews

Senior: I am currently a Senior at Spain Park High School. I enrolled in the school the second semester of my Sophomore year. It was very challenging for me because I was coming from a very small private, Christian School where I had been since 5th grade. I hated leaving my friends, basketball and all things familiar. Spain Park has almost 2000 students whereas my previous school had barely 200. I was So nervous and unsure of myself. Unfortunately, I was there for less than 3 weeks before the pandemic hit and the world shut down. Virtual learning was OK but I didn't have a chance to meet many people. It wasn't until my Junior year that I felt some sense of normality despite masks and social distancing once school started. Fortunately, I got accepted into the District's Cybersecurity program, met new people and formed relationships with my teachers and peers . Overall, Spain Park is a great school with many opportunities for any type of student. I am glad that I changed schools!... Read 275 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,634

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  303 reviews

Senior: As a student from Oak Mountain, I will say that this school is lovely. Great staff and teachers, wonderful clubs and students who are engaged, and who can forget the lovely pep rallies that they have, and including the fun weeks of dress up? It's amazing. But I feel that the food could be a little better and maybe seasoned a lot more. And the diversity? Well.... among the teachers is not good at all. And another the students? Not so well either, but overall a great experience!... Read 303 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,531

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Alabaster City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  935 reviews

Senior: My experience at Thompson has been great! I’ve met teachers that truly care about my well-being and academic success. There are many and diverse academic opportunities held hear at Thompson like AP classes, many electives and art programs or academies. We have very diverse facilities like our sports facilities, our performing arts center, and the health science room. Although our school holds very diverse opportunities, a lot of our teachers are coaches and they don’t teach as well and teachers that aren’t coaches. Our student body is very diverse, but it is not represented by our student government programs or other clubs within the school.... Read 935 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,098

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Pelham City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  283 reviews

Junior: Although I have not graduated yet, I have had a pleasant experience at Pelham High School. All the staff and administration are so involved and do their best to make sure the students are not only prepared for the future in whatever we may choose, but ensure that we have a positive experience. Through the pandemic the teachers have sacrificed so much to make sure we are still learning and working towards our goals. The school provides countless classes and opportunities to prepare/prep students for college, such as AP classes, ACT study sessions, and dull enrollment. They create a fun and inclusive environment for all students with clubs, sports, academics, etc. I’m proud to be a Pelham Panther! Go ham!... Read 283 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,106

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  152 reviews

Senior: Helena High School is a beautiful school. The school is architecturally beautiful but also on the inside. From the students and the families they represent to the faculty and staff and their dedication to the students and their careers. Helena High sits in a small community of very involved families. It had been a great place to go through school K-12th. During a time when school safety and academic success has so much weight placed on it, Helena High has risen to the challenge. I am thankful that I have been blessed to be a part of such an incredible atmosphere.... Read 152 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,373

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  215 reviews

Senior: My experience over the last four years at Chelsea High School has honestly been life changing. The student body and faculty represents the Chelsea community as a very positive and healthy environment. The teachers not only love their job, but are dedicated to teaching students as much as possible in preparation for life after high school. The relationships I have made with both students and faculty, I believe to be relationships that will last a lifetime. I feel not only safe, but a place to call home at Chelsea. The experiences I have had at Chelsea have shaped me into the person I am today. From attending daily classes, extra-curricular activities such as football games, pep rallies, leadership conferences, volunteer opportunities, and more, have prepared me for the working world. Like said before, the overall positive environment and love the school has for one another truly is amazing. I will forever remember Chelsea as my home.... Read 215 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,396

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  149 reviews

Senior: All throughout my four years at Shelby County HIgh I had a great experience. All of the teachers are very personable and caring for each of the students. The school as a whole has a fantastic school body and community to uphold great activities and other projects. I would recommend Shelby High to anyone!... Read 149 reviews

• grade B

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  151 reviews

Senior: While I still attend Calera High School, it is the most organized and diverse school you could attend in the Shelby county area. The faculty cares about you and helping you. They think about what is best for you, when making schedules changes. Overall while attending this school, I love everything about this school. I also played varsity softball here at Calera High, it is the best sports environment I have ever been in.... Read 151 reviews

• grade B

• Students 970

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  87 reviews

Alum: Overall, Vincent Middle High School is a wonderful place! During my high school years, I was given many opportunities that some students in bigger schools did not receive! The educators at VMHS are top-notch, and they are consistently assuring that academic as well as personal needs are being met for each student, whether these personal needs are mental health, emotional health, or overall wellbeing. The teachers truly care about their students. Lives are also close-knit at VMHS, as the small community thrives on knowing each other. I recommend Vincent Middle High School, and I am thankful to have been a part of it!... Read 87 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 428

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed attending Montevallo High School. One reason is because it is in a close knit environment where everyone knows everyone, and most everyone is kind. This is a good thing because if you ever need help you can always call on your neighbor. The high school's student body is full of diversity, which helped me develop communication skills and learn how to network. In my opinion, being around a variety of people helps prepare you for a workforce in a melting pot like America. One thing I would change about Montevallo High is not only the lunch food, but also the funding. Since we are a county school we do not get a lot of help with money. If there was more funding maybe we could have better science experiments, a Jr ROTC , etc...... Read 53 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 437

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Butler County Schools, AL•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  45 reviews

Senior: I have attended this school since it first opened in 2009. I was in the first group of kindergarteners at this school. Overall I have had great experiences at this school, All schools aren’t perfect but I personally believe Georgiana school in the best in butler county. From test scores to personalities the students are very smart and helpful.... Read 45 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• PK, K-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 54

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1