2024 Best Public High Schools in Alabama

• Montgomery County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  232 reviews

Senior: At Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, I have learned to manage my time; I participate in several organizations at school, including Track and Field, Music Production Club, and Art Honors Society. I am also enrolled in the University of Alabama's Early College program. Having to juggle these responsibilities along with my academic obligations, I have learned to manage my time wisely, making room for spending time with friends and family as well as engaging in school activities. Being at this school, I have also learned to have perseverance. With this being a magnet school, I have to push myself to study a little longer or spend more time on a specific assignment in order to achieve my desired grade. I have faced challenges academically as well as personally, but because of my schools' staff and students, I will continue my journey and I will obtain my diploma from Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in May.... Read 232 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 471

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Mobile, AL•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.82 out of 5  89 reviews

Junior: As a rising junior at the Alabama School of Math and Science, I can confidently say that being a student here at ASMS was one of the best opportunities that was presented to me. This school offers many different classes to fit each student’s interests, and yes this includes humanities as well! There are many classes at ASMS that would not be available at another Highschool, such as Zoology, Graphic Design & Photography, Mythology, App Development, and much more. As far as clubs go, there are many available to join! ASMS gives students the opportunity to have their own voice, and this is one of the many things that I love. Students are able to feel heard, and it’s evident that staff members truly want the best for us. Teachers offer office hours to assist us with our studies, and there are student-run study labs to ensure we get help from our peers on subjects we may not understand. ASMS truly offers great opportunities for their students, and the environment is very welcoming!... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 258

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Huntsville, AL•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  39 reviews

Junior: ASCTE has given me the most unique high school experience that anyone could ask for. I applied to the school as a rising sophomore, and as my sophomore year comes to a close and I am officially a Junior now, I was recently reflecting on how many opportunities this school gives its students. Leadership opportunities are abundant, and internships are plentiful(and guaranteed). My favorite part of this school is the internship opportunities with leading companies in the engineering industry. I think that my worst experience was when I accidentally stayed out later than curfew and got in trouble for it! I'd love to see improvements in the sports opportunities, more competitive teams are sure to come with more time, as the school is only 3 years old and we just had our first graduating class! I'm super excited to be a part of this amazing school and community, and I can't wait to see how it changes and develops in the future!... Read 39 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 337

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Birmingham, AL•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: I have spent 5 years at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. I truly believe it's the best place for high school students to study the arts and sciences in Alabama. Some of ASFA's top traits are its beautiful facilities for the arts, its acceptance of different communities, and its strong faculty. Throughout my time at ASFA, I have learned about time management, how to build a community, and how to thrive as a leader. Going to a school with a diverse student body and an accepting atmosphere directly influenced my confidence and my ability to grow over 5 years in the most pivotal years of my life. Going to a school without traditional high school activities like sports and Homecoming, I sometimes feel like I missed out on important experiences of a normal high school career. ASFA also has a tendency to completely burn out its students with its rigorous academic classes as well as the long hours spent in the school. I would like to see more diversity in the faculty.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 357

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Homewood City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  266 reviews

Sophomore: Academically homewood offers anything you could ask for. Good teachers and extra help easily accessible. Only problem is the counselors don’t do enough 1 on 1 time with students so many are simply oblivious to what programs and classes are available to them. The sports teams are well cared for and our athletic facilities are very up to date. Also, wonderful custodial crew!... Read 266 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,267

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Madison City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  410 reviews

Junior: Even though James Clemens High School is a very large school with almost 2,000 students, teachers and staff find a way to make you feel special. There are so many opportunities available to students with varied interests. One major opportunity is related to NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, and many Aerospace Companies headquarters nearby. Students can attend Space Camp at a reduced rate. Many of the aerospace companies offer job shadowing and internship opportunities for high school students interested in aerospace and engineering. Teachers work hard to sponsor clubs and coach sports of all kinds so there is literally something for everyone! a... Read 410 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,142

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Mountain Brook City Schools, AL•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  115 reviews

Sophomore: Excellent for Music, Academics, and Sports. Not that diverse, but if you want to get an amazing education, go here. Best school in the state (In my opinion). Also, after reading these reviews, being in the band, and being a white straight male, bullying is apparent, however it is FAR worse in other schools. Overall, 9.5/10, teachers are willing to help, and 25% of them are nice. WARNING: the Administration is ignorant and usually so not listen to students... Read 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 978

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Madison City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  486 reviews

Parent: Bob Jones is a great school. Lots to offer from class options, athletic, clubs, and social avenues. Courses are rigorous if you take the honors/Pre-AP/AP route, which will be of great benefit entering into college. As a large school, my encouragement is to take advantage of the smaller environments so you can plug in and be known. Our family has been very encouraged and blessed by having our children be a part of the football team. Amazing coaches and teammates. Highly recommend!... Read 486 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,918

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Huntsville City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  176 reviews

Senior: Our school has strands which are biomedical science, computer science, and engineering. Each of these strands has several intern opportunity. Many of the students come from different backgrounds, this allow students there to learn about different cultures and be involved with people of different backgrounds and gain different perspectives. Through our magnet school students learn to become excellent problem solvers, creators, and think critically, which are essential for the real world. Although, New Century doesn't have any sports, I would like to see more school activities for the students and pep rally to show our school spirit or do more to get the students to be active with all the assignments and hard word. Especially with our yearly STEM showcase. It would be nice to have breaks or have fun.... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 432

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  283 reviews

Alum: I had the best four years at Spain Park. As an immigrant it was very easy for me to find a group and connect with other students. The school made me feel welcomed, and administrator helped me with everything. I had the best time at football games, pep rallies, dances, and more. The academic opportunities are wide!... Read 283 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,579

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Vestavia Hills City Schools, AL•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  282 reviews

Parent: We have had a good experience at Vestavia Hills High School. There have been many opportunities to get involved with sports and clubs and leadership opportunities. The teachers and administrators have been great for the most part, supportive and helpful. I do wish there was a little more teaching time and less computer assignments and free time in class. The school is very helpful in making sure your child is prepared for college or whatever other option they choose to do after graduation. If you ask for guidance, they are there to help. You need to be involved and intentional. I feel like my children are safe there, and if they ever feel unsafe or if issues arise, the leadership is very interested in helping resolve the situation.... Read 282 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,561

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Auburn City Schools, AL•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  376 reviews

Alum: The most favorable thing about Auburn High School is that the school provides you with various classes to choose from. Some of the school districts do not offer particular AP classes or IB classes, but Auburn High School provides you with numerous options to explore and choose from. The most fascinating thing about Auburn High School is that they have 30 minutes of Tiger time, which you can do anything to improvise your learning curve. You may use that time to chat with your friends, study hall, recess, etc. However, if you are looking for a high achool that offers you the best education, Auburn High School may not be it. Not saying that teachers are terrible in particular, it is just designed that way. AP classes are almost like learning-by-yourself. However, in the other side, the school has system that prevents you from failing a class. When you take a Summer class, you may manage to replace that F with your desirable outcome. Hope this helped you guys! Wish you all the best!... Read 376 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,091

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  510 reviews

Alum: Hoover High School is in a district with the most diverse opportunities and people. The Hoover district is one of the most diversed areas in Alabama. The majority of the people living in state is black and white; Hoover district is slowly growing to be open for more minority people such as Asians. This school ranges from learning levels of regular classes to AP classes to IB classes. There are many extracurricular activities for the students to enjoy - For example, I did an engineering program, computer science program, band, foreign language, and core classes. Do I recommend for these students to do a full schedule of classes and have constant stress where-or-not you regret taking too many classes, no, but the fact that I was still able to do all these classes shows many interests the school gives their students to try out. Overall, Hoover High School is a great, trustful school that provides a perliforate of opportuinties for students to learn and figure out their intrests.... Read 510 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,716

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Baldwin County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  420 reviews

Senior: As a young kid I moved around from school to school every year until I began going to Fairhope schools in the 5th grade and have not moved around since. I have made it to the 12th grade in Fairhope High School and will be graduating here. Of all the schools I have been to, my interaction with teachers and my involvement in school activities have been unlike any other experience at any other school. At Fairhope High School you can expect to find friendly and supportive teachers, counselors who prepare you for the future, fun and inclusive activities and clubs, and an outstanding administration. Overall Fairhope High School prepares and provides students with the resources to be successful after High School. Go Pirates!... Read 420 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,627

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Dale County Schools, AL•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: George W. Long has been a great experience. I love all the teachers and I love all my class mates. I am so thankful to have such an amazing community and school system. The academics are great here and the teachers push you to do the best you can be. Along with the academics the athletics are amazing as well. We have achieved many goals along with won many state championships! All together I love my school so much and it has been a great experience... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 392

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Trussville City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  281 reviews

Senior: HTHS gives their students an amazing chance at a wonderful future! We have excellent teachers and staff who help us achieve our personal, athletic, and academic goals. They realize college is not for everyone, so they don't push that on the people who would rather earn a trade or a skill. Which we all know are equally as important as a career that requires college. Our advisors plug into our lives and make us aware of opportunities that can help improve our resume, increase our grades and give us a jump start in the direction we are headed. Being apart of our softball program has trained me to become a better person on and off the field. My coaches keep a close eye on my grades and continuously push me out of my comfort zone so that I can continue to improve. We have work outs, practices, and trainers to assist us with both. Our team has been State Champions for the past two years and it did not come without hard work and dedication. Skills we learn on the field and in the classroom.... Read 281 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,603

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Marengo County Schools, AL•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: It has been great ever since I started here in Kindergarten. Sometimes it was tough but the teachers were always there helping me whenever I needed them to.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A

• Students 558

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hartselle City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  208 reviews

Junior: I love Hartselle High School. It has formed me to be the person I am today. The extracurricular activities and academics are amazing. There are over 12 academies for students to apply their careers to. There are so many clubs you can join and themselves too. I had the opportunity to build relationships with my peers, teachers, and people outside of my school system. The volunteer service opportunities are amazing and allow for great experiences helping others. The academics are very rigid, so we all have to make sure we stay true to out studying and grades. The AP and Dual Enrollment courses allowed me to get ahead and get college credit while still in high school. I couldn't think of a better place to be!... Read 208 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,040

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Alabaster City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  983 reviews

Senior: Being able to be a part of Thompson High School has been one of the greatest opportunities I have received due to various opportunities that this school offers in order to get a well education and a sneak peak of it's like to be in a college class by offering different college challenging classes. This school has been one of the most recognizable, well, and outstanding academic workings in the state of Alabama. Offering help to many students of any age, gender, and especially different backgrounds or cultures. There is always going to be place for any student wanting to be part of the Thompson community. The moment someone becomes a freshman in high school, Thompson provides great resources for future success for their students such as ACT Dianostics and ACT preps in order to help more students earn those points for scholarship opportunities. Help is always there but what most students do not do is ask or look for help. Helping students with those insecurities will be beneficial.... Read 983 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,175

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Huntsville City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  363 reviews

Senior: My Huntsville High School experience differs greatly than student's of past years due to COVID-19. I was virtual for part of my freshman year and all of my sophomore year. My school system did not know how to accurately respond to the covid situation and many of my teachers were being overworked, which sometimes created less than ideal conditions. However, I have been taught a lot during my education and have excelled in my classes. A handful of my teachers have been the kindest people ever and have impacted my life so much, while the rest of my teachers did absolutely nothing. I had the opportunity to take difficult and advanced classes as well as a foreign language and art classes. My school also sought to reward those who were working hard through gift card, free school function tickets, etc. The administration gives students opportunities to be involved in the school. There were several issues regarding inappropriate handling of school dress code by teachers and administration.... Read 363 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,819

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Shelby County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  307 reviews

Senior: I moved to Shelby County Schools when I was in third grade, and I'm happy I did because, I have made so many amazing people! High School is definitely a difficult time it's where most people find who they are, or who they want to be, and it's really the beginning of 'adult hood'. You learn to manage time like: homework, schoolwork, and getting to class on time. And you make lots of friends throughout your 8 different classes, each year. I have done soccer all throughout high school, and there have been many ups and lots of downs. I would never say it's the worst part of high school, but balancing soccer and school is hard, and it got harder throughout the years. For example, I have 3 jobs right now, I am involved with my church, I am on 2 soccer teams, and I am taking AP Gov/Econ., Dual Enrollment English 101/102, and Dual Enrollment Biology 101/102. However, I love high school and I know that this, last, year at Oak Mountain High School will be awesome.... Read 307 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,540

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Montgomery County Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  344 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Brewtech so far has been very overwhelming as well as welcoming. My first day of freshman year was scary because I was going to a different school and I was starting my journey for college. I had to get used to the environment at the school with a new schedule and new teachers. I didn't know where I was going because I was nervous and anxious. But, as the year went by I had to tackle many challenges academically, socially, and mentally. The best parts at Brewtech are the school events such as Homecoming, pep rallies, dress-out days, etc. because they are the most memorable moments of the school year. The worst days at Brewtech are exam days because it can be mentally draining, there is a lot of studying and preparation for it. Changes I would like to see at Brewtech are fun and creative dress-out days, a class about the adult- world (taxes, job interviews, etc), and driver's ed for learning how to drive. This is my overall experience at Brewtech... Read 344 reviews

• grade A

• Students 522

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Saraland City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  159 reviews

Alum: Attending Saraland High School, was the best decision ever. All of the faculty and staff are intentional with the curriculum that is taught. Everyone contributes to the school system being the best for students to achieve their goals. Whether going to university, trade school, or the work force, SHS ensured students were ready to become adults in the real world. Everyone at the high school has equal opportunity to succeed and flourish. Also, students are constantly rewarded and noticed for their achievements, both with academics and extracurricular activities. The school was constantly being renovated and the campus is beautiful. There isn’t anything I have to complain about regarding Saraland High School!... Read 159 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,090

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Enterprise City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  496 reviews

Senior: Enterprise High School is an amazing experience for any student willing to push themselves and learn! Enterprise gives students a vast variety of options, academically and athletically. With only english, math, science, and history being the required classes every year, you can choose four other electives of interest. The wide variety gives students a better chance at succeeding after they graduate and opens up various job opportunities. The only complaint I would give the high school is the staff, at times teachers seem to be the biggest threat to upcoming freshman. Staff members are the biggest bullies at the high schools and it is sad to see how poorly new students are treated.... Read 496 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,119

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Pelham City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  290 reviews

Junior: Pelham High School is an amazing place to be because each year they add new electives and clubs that help students prepare for college. They also have tons of programs that help increase students ACT scores and help get amazing scholarships. As a junior in Pelham High School, I can assure you that this place does whatever they can to make it environmentally friendly and drug -free, make students enjoy going to school everyday, and most importantly making them as successful as they could ever be.... Read 290 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,058

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1