Rutledge School, a public middle school in Birmingham, Alabama, served grades 5–8 with an enrollment of 314 students and a student–teacher ratio of 18:1 in 2023.
The school ranked in the bottom 50% statewide, declining slightly from #1228 in 2022 to #1217 in 2023 in overall testing performance.
Math proficiency was 3%, notably lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 20%, also lower than the state average of 47%; science proficiency was between 15–19%, lower than the state average of 38%.
Minority enrollment remained very high at 99%, predominantly Black students (279), with 87% of students eligible for free lunch, reflecting sustained socioeconomic challenges.
Enrollment remained stable around 315 students from 2020 to 2023, while the number of teachers increased slightly from 13 in 2022 to 17 in 2023, improving the student–teacher ratio from 25:1 to 18:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 314 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Rutledge School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Rutledge School's student population of 314 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
314 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Rutledge 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 Rutledge School is 0.20, which is less 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
#1217 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
9%
11%
Black
89%
32%
White
1%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
87%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rutledge School's ranking?
Rutledge School is ranked #1217 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
3% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Rutledge School?
314 students attend Rutledge School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Rutledge School students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Rutledge School?
Rutledge School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Rutledge School offer ?
Rutledge School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Rutledge School part of?
Rutledge School is part of Midfield City School District.
In what neighborhood is Rutledge School located?
Rutledge School is located in the East Thomas neighborhood of Birmingham, AL. There are 1 other public schools located in East Thomas.
School Reviews
Review Rutledge School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Public School Rankings: Are They Accurate?
Explore how accurate public school rankings really are, their limitations, and how parents can interpret them in 2026.
Public School Schedule Options Explained for Families
Learn how public school schedule options like year-round calendars, block scheduling, and later start times affect students and families in 2026.
How to Request Special Education Services at School Registration
A step-by-step guide for families on how to request special education services at school registration, including IEPs, 504 plans, timelines, and tips.
