2024 Best Schools in the Birmingham Area

• Indian Springs, AL•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  83 reviews

Freshman: I'm a new freshman at Springs, and so far, my experience has been outstanding! The curriculum is flexible and tailored to challenge everyone (one of my freshman friends is taking Adv Precalc and AP Stats!) However, the faculty are helpful and supportive. The natural campus is unique, and the buildings blend in with this incredible setting. Cafeteria food is varied -- we have different themes including Pasta Bars, Chinese food, Korean barbecue, etc. The student body is diverse, and everyone is friendly and incredibly talented in their unique way. There are no traditional cliques here, so you'll feel at-home quickly. We have a wide range of extracurricular activities from sports, arts, service to personal interests, which we are given plenty of time and freedom to pursue. However, my only complaint is about the suites rooming 6 people each, fitting 2 students into rooms designed to house one. They are extremely crowded, noisy and contribute to a significant portion of student drama here.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 330

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Birmingham, AL•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  26 reviews

Parent: The Altamont School has been a part of my family for many years. I attended Altamont grades 7-12, my husband attended grades 5-12, and I am now a parent to current 5th and 7th graders. As a student myself, I loved every aspect of Altamont. The community, teachers, classes, sports - everything! I have nothing but fond memories of my years there and was thrilled for the day I could send my children to school at Altamont. Although the school has grown and changed in many positive ways since I was there, my kids have had a similar experience. They love the community, the teachers, their classes and the many friendships they have made.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 389

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Birmingham, AL•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  68 reviews

Senior: The Alabama School of Fine Arts has six specialties available for study: Music, Theater, Creative Writing, Visual Arts, Dance, and Math-Science. An applicant must apply and audition for whichever specialty they choose. I am a Music student and as such, can only speak on the education given by the music and the academic faculty. There is a Music Hall with thirteen practice rooms, each equipped with a piano. Our classes consist of the choir, orchestra, ensembles, music theory, aural training, and the jazz band. I feel I have learned much that will prepare me for a musical career. The academic curriculum is rigorous but the teachers still find a way to keep the content uniquely interesting. The school requires focus and a passion for your specialty. Sometimes, the pressure and amount of work can overwhelm but friends can take the edge off. It is easy to make friends as there is such a diverse student body, you are bound to find someone with similar interests. Overall, a good school.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 357

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Homewood City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  265 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 265 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,267

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  282 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 282 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,579

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Homewood City Schools, AL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: As a student, Homewood Middle school is a place where the teachers care about your success and want you to be happy. They care if you are struggling and they really want to help. IT’S AN AMAZING SCHOOL!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 982

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• 3-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: The administration and teachers at Brock’s Gap are competent and caring. The communication to parents is awesome. Both of my kids have gotten a well-rounded education from them. I love this school!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 491

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Vestavia Hills City Schools, AL•

• 6-8

• grade A+

• Students 523

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: This school is amazing for kids with an IEP. The staff has worked wonders for my special needs child. He went from hardly knowing his letters or counting past 5 to counting into the 100s and reading for fun! The teachers are extremely friendly, attentive, supportive, and helpful in any way. They’re always down to earth and willing to make accommodations. They communicate with the parents well. Very diverse, active in the community, and resourceful. My child and I are both very pleased.... Read 20 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 770

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Vestavia Hills City Schools, AL•

• K-5

• grade A+

• Students 706

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Middle School Student: Robert F. Bumpus Middle School is an AMAZING school for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! It has an amazing staff teaching students to be their best both academically and in life!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,154

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Homewood City Schools, AL•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Fabulous blue ribbon school! Exceptional education in a loving environment. My children enjoy going to school-which is such a blessing!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 807

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Vestavia Hills City Schools, AL•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  278 reviews

Senior: My overall education and teachers for the most part have been great. Vestavia is a very big school so sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Athletics are super competitive and because of the number of students who try out it is very difficult to make a sports team. Although the main campus is only 10th-12th, sophomores are not allowed to drive/park on campus because there aren't enough parking spots. The city needs to build another high school at Liberty Park. That would help alleviate school crowding, traffic, and the parking issue.... Read 278 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,561

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Vestavia Hills City Schools, AL•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 750

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Homewood City Schools, AL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: The teachers and administrators are amazing! Anytime I have questions, I always feel like they take the time to work with our family and our child. I am so thankful for this wonderful school and the school community. Such a wonderful group of people. I am happy my child is a proud Jr Patriot.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 677

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: All schools should be this good. My son loves going to school each day! Excellent, engaged teachers, administrators and support staff. They focus on building strong relationships and creating a learning community.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 587

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Works Here: The Greystone community is extremely supportive of the school. Teachers at Greystone are committed to helping their students achieve success and carry out the school's motto to Learn, Lead, Leave a Legacy.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 446

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: The teachers are very attentive to the needs of the students. They seem to genuine care for the progression of education, and moreover the general welfare of the students. It is a great school full of engaging teachers inspiring students!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 658

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Vestavia Hills City Schools, AL•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Middle School Student: I am a middle school student at Pizitz and I love it here.The food here is my favorite! And the teachers all always nice!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,207

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Hoover City Schools, AL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A

• Students 617

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Alabaster City Schools, AL•

• PK, K-3

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: Our daughter has spent the past two years at Meadow View. Each year my husband and I have been so impressed with the communication between the school and our home. Seeing our daughter develop the math and reading skills necessary to be successful in her current and future classes is amazing. She loves specials (Art, Music, STEAM Lab, etc.). She comes home excited to share what she is learning in her classroom each day and that is a testament to the quality educators employed by MVES and ACS. Meadow View offers a variety of extracurriculuar activites and After School Care programs which demonstrates just how much the community believes in MVES! We are extremely satisfied and look forward to the years ahead here!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A

• Students 933

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Vestavia Hills City Schools, AL•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The best place to live and be so close to the best schools!!! I am so happy we moved here to live and educate my daughter! It is the best place in Alabama and we also love how the neighborhood is so much fun and has each other in mind. This is an oasis to live and your child will be safe, have awesome everything, and feel like they truly live in a community! Love LP!!!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 598

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Vestavia Hills City Schools, AL•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 763

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Homewood City Schools, AL•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: I am so thankful for this school. The staff at Shades Cahaba has helped my children grow academically and socially. The teachers show up to support the students in the classroom and at after school events. It really means a lot to the kids to see their teachers cheering them on throughout the community.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 503

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1