The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a town or city which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 28%
64%
Avg. Statewide: 46%
Top-Ranked Cities With Best Public Schools in Alabama (2026)
City
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
64%
(9 out of 14)
(9 out of 14)
Rank: #22.
60%
(3 out of 5)
(3 out of 5)
- Fairhope Middle School
Rank: #114 of 1,275 (Top 5%)
(Math: 67% | Reading: 76%) - Fairhope West Elementary School
Rank: #138 of 1,275 (Top 5%)
(Math: 60% | Reading: 77%) - Fairhope East Elementary School
Rank: #148 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 58% | Reading: 79%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Fairhope, AL Schools
Rank: #33.
50%
(3 out of 6)
(3 out of 6)
Rank: #44.
43%
(3 out of 7)
(3 out of 7)
- Barkley Bridge Elementary School
Rank: #33 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 85-89%) - Crestline Elementary School
Rank: #175 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%) - Fe Burleson Elementary School
Rank: #196 of 1,275 (Top 10%)
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Hartselle, AL Schools
Rank: #55.
36%
(5 out of 14)
(5 out of 14)
Rank: #66.
28%
(32 out of 115)
(32 out of 115)
- Crestline Elementary School
Rank: #6 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 89% | Reading: 91%) - Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park
Rank: #16 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 80% | Reading: 87%) - Mt Laurel Elementary School
Rank: #18 of 1,275 (Top 1%)
(Math: 85% | Reading: 86%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Birmingham, AL Schools
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.