Best Schools in Birmingham, AL — 2026 Rankings
Serving 31,179 students across 59 schools, Birmingham is one of Alabama's largest school markets. Compare ratings and find the right fit.
Serving approximately 31,179 students across 59 schools, Birmingham’s education system is one of the most significant in Alabama. We ranked every school using standardized test data, class sizes, and demographic equity to help you make an informed decision.
Birmingham at a Glance
- Total Schools: 59
- Total Students: 31,179
- City Average Score: 4.1/10
- Top School Score: 8.5/10
- Average Student-Teacher Ratio: 19.3:1
- School Types: 38 Elementary, 9 Middle, 10 High, 2 K-12 / Other
- Charter Schools: 4
Top 10 Schools in Birmingham
| Rank | School | Level | Score | Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oak Mountain Intermediate School | Elementary | 8.5 | 638 | 15.9:1 |
| 2 | Inverness Elementary School | Elementary | 8.4 | 563 | 16.1:1 |
| 3 | Oak Mountain Elementary School | Elementary | 8.0 | 689 | 18.1:1 |
| 4 | Mt Laurel Elementary School | Elementary | 7.8 | 481 | 19.2:1 |
| 5 | Phillips Academy | Elementary | 7.4 | 631 | 18.0:1 |
| 6 | Christian School | Elementary | 7.2 | 587 | 18.3:1 |
| 7 | Oak Mountain Middle School | Middle | 7.1 | 1,194 | 19.6:1 |
| 8 | Oak Mountain High School | High | 7.1 | 1,652 | 19.0:1 |
| 9 | Magic City Acceptance Academy | High | 7.0 | 343 | 14.3:1 |
| 10 | EPIC Alternative Elementary School | Elementary | 6.6 | 293 | 17.2:1 |
About Oak Mountain Intermediate School
Oak Mountain Intermediate School leads our Birmingham rankings with a composite score of 8.5 out of 10. The school stands out for strong academics (9.6/10) and a supportive school environment (7.7/10). As a elementary school serving 638 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15.9:1, it offers a competitive learning environment.
Score Breakdown: How Birmingham’s Top Schools Compare
The gap between the top-ranked and third-ranked school in Birmingham is moderate (0.5 points), suggesting a clear tier of top performers. Our composite score weighs four factors: academic performance (test scores), student growth over time, equity (how well the school serves all student groups), and environment (class size, teacher ratios, and resources).
How to Use These Rankings
Rankings are a starting point, not a final answer. Visit schools in person, talk to other parents, and consider what matters most for your child. A school’s score reflects data — but fit, culture, and commute matter just as much.
Explore each school’s full profile on MySchoolScout for detailed breakdowns of test scores, demographics, and nearby options.
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