Below Average
#1262 of 1,356 schools in AL
Benjamin Russell High School
High School · Alexander City
225 Heard Blvd, Alexander City, AL 35010
Enrollment
843
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
4.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
843
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
4.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Alexander City
#5 of 5
public schools
Alabama high schools
#245 of 308
In district
#5 of 5
Alexander City
School environment
8.1 / 10
Very strong
About Benjamin Russell High School
Benjamin Russell High School serves grades 9 through 12 in Alexander City, Alabama, a town in Tallapoosa County. The school enrolls 843 students and employs 51 full-time equivalent teachers, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 16.5 to 1, which allows for a reasonable degree of individual attention within a traditional public school setting. Academically, Benjamin Russell is working through some significant challenges.
Current proficiency rates stand at 30% in ELA/Reading and 25% in Math, reflecting meaningful room for academic growth across grade levels. The school holds a MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 out of 10 and ranks in the 6th percentile among Alabama high schools, so families focused on academic outcomes may want to look closely at what support structures and course offerings are available to their student. The surrounding ZIP code of 35010 is home to roughly 19,600 residents, with a median household income of around $48,700 and a median home value near $129,500.
About 19% of families in the area live below the poverty line, and approximately 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — context that speaks to the real economic pressures the school and its community navigate together. Benjamin Russell is situated in the heart of Alexander City, a close-knit town where community ties run deep and school life often plays a central role in local identity.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Benjamin Russell High School — Students at Benjamin Russell High School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
38.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.9/10.
How Benjamin Russell High School Compares
See how Benjamin Russell High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 40% (2019) to 17% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 46% (2019) to 22% (2022).
Location
225 Heard Blvd, Alexander City, AL 35010
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Benjamin Russell High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. LYMAN WARD MILITARY ACADEMY (rated 6.5/10, 19.2 miles away, in nearby Camp Hill), which scores notably higher. Another option is Central High School (rated 6.3/10, 15.3 miles away, in nearby Rockford), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Reeltown High School (rated 6.0/10, 24.7 miles away, in nearby Notasulga), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Alexander City, see our Alexander City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 22.9 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 35010 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$48,744
Median Home Value
$129,500
Median Rent
$702/mo
Population
19,619
College Educated
17.7%
Homeownership
69.5%
Avg Commute
22.2 min
Poverty Rate
18.9%
Median Age
42.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Benjamin Russell High School has a median household income of $48,744. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $129,500, with a median rent of $702/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.9%. The average commute for residents is 22 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Calera High Calera, AL | 4.1 |
| Carver Senior High School Montgomery, AL | 4.1 |
| Dadeville High School Dadeville, AL | 4.1 |
| Hatton High School Town Creek, AL | 4.1 |
| Scottsboro High School Scottsboro, AL | 4.1 |
| Albert P Brewer High School Somerville, AL | 4.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Benjamin Russell High School
What grades does Benjamin Russell High School serve?
Benjamin Russell High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Benjamin Russell High School?
Benjamin Russell High School has an enrollment of approximately 843 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Russell High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Russell High School is 16.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Benjamin Russell High School rank in AL?
Benjamin Russell High School is ranked #1262 out of 1,356 schools in AL.
What is Benjamin Russell High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Benjamin Russell High School has a composite rating of 4.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Benjamin Russell High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Benjamin Russell High School has 24.7% math proficiency and 30.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Benjamin Russell High School a charter school?
No, Benjamin Russell High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Benjamin Russell High School a Title I school?
No, Benjamin Russell High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Benjamin Russell High School?
38.2% of students at Benjamin Russell High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (4,647/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Alexander City). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 843
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 51
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 38.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Tallapoosa County
- Phone
- (256) 234-8611
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Alexander City- District Enrollment
- 2,849
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,834
- District Rank
- #5 of 5
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 methodologyRelated reading
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