I3 Academy Phase 1

i3 Academy Phase 1 is a public charter elementary school serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Birmingham, Alabama, part of Jefferson County. Enrolling around 420 students, the school operates with 18 full-time equivalent teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 23.3 to 1, which is on the larger side for an elementary setting. Academically, i3 Academy Phase 1 earns a MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks in the 22nd percentile among Alabama schools, reflecting meaningful room for academic growth.

Reading and ELA proficiency stands at 48%, showing that nearly half of students are meeting grade-level expectations in literacy. Math proficiency, at 6% across grades, represents a significant area for development, and families may want to explore what additional supports the school offers students in this subject. The school sits at 230 49th Street North in a mid-size city environment.

The surrounding 35212 ZIP code is a close-knit community with a population of just over 10,000 residents. The neighborhood carries a 40.4% poverty rate and a median household income of around $34,565, context that speaks to the real challenges many families in the area navigate daily. About a third of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

For families in this part of Birmingham, i3 Academy Phase 1 represents a charter option within a community working through both economic pressures and genuine aspirations for its youngest learners.

While current test scores at I3 Academy Phase 1 are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

The student-teacher ratio at I3 Academy Phase 1 is 23.3:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

I3 Academy Phase 1 is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.