Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, AL ranked #892 in the state in 2023, showing a decline from #351 in 2015 and notable variation over recent years.
Math proficiency ranged between 20–24% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading and science proficiencies were also 20–24%, both lower than their respective state averages of 47% and 38%.
Enrollment declined from 974 students in 2015 to 843 in 2023, with minority enrollment comprising 57% of the student body and approximately 37% of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch, reflecting economic challenges.
The school serves grades 9–12 with 843 students and a student–teacher ratio of 17:1, placing it among the top 10% in Alabama for low student–teacher ratios and in the top 20% for diversity.
The graduation rate in 2023 was 84%, slightly below the state average of 88%, and consistently ranking in the bottom 50% statewide for overall testing performance including math, reading, and science.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 843 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Btm 50% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Benjamin Russell High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Benjamin Russell High School's student population of 843 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 51 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
843 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
Year Founded
1950
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Benjamin Russell High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Benjamin Russell High School is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#892 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
12%
11%
Black
40%
32%
White
43%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcats
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benjamin Russell High School's ranking?
Benjamin Russell High School is ranked #892 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Benjamin Russell High School often compared to?
Benjamin Russell High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dadeville High School, Horseshoe Bend High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Benjamin Russell High School?
The graduation rate of Benjamin Russell High School is 84%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Benjamin Russell High School?
843 students attend Benjamin Russell High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Benjamin Russell High School students are White, 40% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Benjamin Russell High School?
Benjamin Russell High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Benjamin Russell High School offer ?
Benjamin Russell High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Benjamin Russell High School part of?
Benjamin Russell High School is part of Alexander City School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
As a drivers training instructor in Michigan, I saw your clip "Get the Message" on Youtube. Loved it. Is there any way I could get a copy of this to show in my classroom. Thanks and keep up the great work!!!
Rhonda
3 10/10/2025
I like this school because you get a grade.
3 10/10/2025
this school is not for the faint of heart. there are bullying, vandalism, and other problems here. I have made many good friends and the honors course is amazing, but the regular course is ok.
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