The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a town or city which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 28%
64%
Avg. Statewide: 46%
Top-Ranked Cities With Best Public Schools in Alabama (2025-26)
City
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
64%
(9 out of 14)
(9 out of 14)
Rank: #22.
60%
(3 out of 5)
(3 out of 5)
- Fairhope Middle School
Rank: #114 of 1,275 (Top 5%)
(Math: 67% | Reading: 76%) - Fairhope West Elementary School
Rank: #138 of 1,275 (Top 5%)
(Math: 60% | Reading: 77%) - Fairhope East Elementary School
Rank: #148 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 58% | Reading: 79%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Fairhope, AL Schools
Rank: #33.
50%
(3 out of 6)
(3 out of 6)
Rank: #44.
43%
(3 out of 7)
(3 out of 7)
- Barkley Bridge Elementary School
Rank: #33 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 85-89%) - Crestline Elementary School
Rank: #175 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%) - Fe Burleson Elementary School
Rank: #196 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Hartselle, AL Schools
Rank: #55.
36%
(5 out of 14)
(5 out of 14)
Rank: #66.
28%
(32 out of 115)
(32 out of 115)
- Crestline Elementary School
Rank: #6 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 89% | Reading: 91%) - Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park
Rank: #16 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 80% | Reading: 87%) - Mt Laurel Elementary School
Rank: #18 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 85% | Reading: 86%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Birmingham, AL Schools
Recent Articles
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.