Smith Middle School ranked in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools overall from 2010 to 2023, declining from #461 in 2010 to #1265 in 2023 in state rankings for this Birmingham public middle school.
Math proficiency was 1% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, with a long–term decline since 2013 when it reached 70%; reading proficiency was 15%, lower than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency ranged between 10–14%, also lower than the state average.
Enrollment fell from 685 students in 2001 to 426 in 2023, with student–teacher ratio rising to 25:1 in 2023; minority enrollment has remained very high at 99%, with a majority Black student body (83% in 2023) and a high percentage of students eligible for free lunch (82% in 2023).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 323 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Smith Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Smith Middle School's student population of 323 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
323 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Smith Middle 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 Smith Middle School is 0.28, 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
#1265 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
13%
11%
Black
84%
32%
White
1%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smith Middle School's ranking?
Smith Middle School is ranked #1265 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?
≤1% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 15% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Smith Middle School?
323 students attend Smith Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Smith Middle School students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Smith Middle School?
Smith Middle School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Smith Middle School offer ?
Smith Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Smith Middle School part of?
Smith Middle School is part of Birmingham City School District.
In what neighborhood is Smith Middle School located?
Smith Middle School is located in the Killough Springs neighborhood of Birmingham, AL.
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