Best Schools in Bessemer, Alabama
16 schools · 11 Elementary · 1 Middle · 2 High · 2 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.6/10
- Median household income
- $60,540
- Median home value
- $161,867
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 21%
- Avg commute
- 28 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 73%
21% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Bessemer compares
Alabama rank
#149 of 179
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.9
below Alabama avg (6.5)
Median household income
$61k
101% of Alabama median
Schools in this city
14
About Schools in Bessemer, Alabama
Bessemer, Alabama is home to 16 schools, including 13 public schools and 3 private schools. The city's schools span 11 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools.
With an average rating of 5.6 out of 10, schools in Bessemer show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Bessemer is Oak Grove Elementary School with a composite score of 7.8/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Bessemer is served by 4 school districts. These districts collectively serve 39,262 students.
Bessemer's community shows 21% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $60,540. The poverty rate in the area is 19.8%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
11 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 575 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.8 | ||
| 2 | 217 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.4 | ||
| 3 | 509 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.0 | ||
| 4 | 302 students · Kindergarten–7th | 6.4 | ||
| 5 | 765 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.2 | ||
| 6 | 350 students · Pre-K–5th | 5.3 | ||
| 7 | 295 students · Kindergarten–5th | 5.1 | ||
| 8 | 297 students · Kindergarten–5th | 5.1 | ||
| 9 | 405 students · Pre-K–5th | 5.1 | ||
| Private Schools 2 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | 119 students · Kindergarten–5th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | DUNNAMS PRIVATE SCHOOL
Private
15 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 648 students · 6th–8th | 4.4 |
High Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 805 students · 9th–12th | 4.8 |
| 2 | 732 students · 6th–12th | 3.8 |
Other Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 168 students · 9th–10th | — | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | HARVEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Private
42 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
Schools in Bessemer
Bessemer, Alabama · 16 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 3 ZIP codes
Median Income
$60,540
Median Home Value
$161,867
Median Rent
$1,021/mo
Population
74,518
College Educated
21%
Homeownership
73%
Avg Commute
28 min
Poverty Rate
19.8%
Community Profile
Bessemer has a median household income of $60,540. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $161,867, with a median rent of $1,021/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.8%. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Alabama
- Total Schools
- 16
- Elementary
- 11
- Middle
- 1
- High
- 2
- Districts
- 4
- Avg Rating
- 5.6/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Alabama
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Bessemer, Alabama
How many schools are in Bessemer, Alabama?
Bessemer has 16 schools, including 13 public and 3 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Bessemer, Alabama?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Bessemer is 5.6 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Bessemer, Alabama?
The top-ranked school in Bessemer on MySchoolScout is Oak Grove Elementary School with a composite score of 7.8/10.
What is the best elementary school in Bessemer, Alabama?
The top-ranked elementary school in Bessemer on MySchoolScout is Oak Grove Elementary School with a composite score of 7.8/10.
What is the best middle school in Bessemer, Alabama?
The top-ranked middle school in Bessemer on MySchoolScout is Bessemer City Middle School with a composite score of 4.4/10.
What is the best high school in Bessemer, Alabama?
The top-ranked high school in Bessemer on MySchoolScout is Bessemer City High School with a composite score of 4.8/10.
How many school districts serve Bessemer, Alabama?
Bessemer is served by 4 school districts: Alabama Aerospace and Aviation, Bessemer City, Jefferson County, Empower Community School.
What is the education level in Bessemer, Alabama?
According to Census data, 21% of adults in Bessemer have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Bessemer, Alabama?
The median household income in Bessemer is approximately $60,540 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Bessemer, Alabama?
Yes, Bessemer has 3 private schools alongside 13 public schools. The top-rated private school is Harvest Christian School with a score of 5.9/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Bessemer, Alabama?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Bessemer is 18.9:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Bessemer, Alabama?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Alabama Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.