Are you looking for a private school for your ward in Alabama? Here’s a list of the best private high schools in Alabama. See details on the best 10
Alabama is known for peanuts, southern hospitality, the beautiful gulf coast beaches, and sweet tea.
Undoubtedly, Alabama is a remarkable southeastern state.
Not only these perks, but also high schools in Alabama offer an unforgettable experience.
Equally demonstrating prowess on the national front academically and in student welfare.
The High schools in Alabama rank 25th in terms of student enrollment and 25th in terms of the total number of schools.
In addition, Alabama high schools sit 42nd for the student/teacher ratio and 35th for the percentage of students on free or reduced lunches.
What You Should Know About Private High Schools in Alabama
Furthering research on high schools in Alabama would require an even level of understanding regarding the standards and general qualities of all private high schools in Alabama.
To show that, we’ve shortlisted some common traits among private high schools in Alabama.
Credit load
Alabama high school students must earn at least 24 credits in various subjects to graduate, including one credit each in career preparedness and physical education.
Also, in 11th grade, they take the ACT college entrance exam, according to the Alabama State Department of Education.
High School is Compulsory
According to the state legislature, children between the ages of 6 and 17 are required to attend school in Alabama.
Also, the students must be: in school or registered for homeschooling.
Most states allow for the ability to drop out without parental consent at the age of 16.
However, those states which have raised their minimum dropout ages above 16 usually provide for exceptions of parental consent at ages 16 and 17.
Alabama private high schools ensure a benchmark at the former.
Absenteeism from School
To begin with, absenteeism isn’t right.
But a student may have up to three (3) absences per class within a semester (6 per year).
The day(s) that a student is suspended will be counted as excused absences.
Charter Schools
Alabama law provides that charter schools are open to all students.
Also, the law states that all students must be selected by lottery if more students apply than a school can accommodate.
And for charter schools, there are 9 charter schools in Alabama.
Ethnic/Racial Student Breakdown in Alabama Private High Schools
The composition of the student body district-wide is
- White: 55%
- Black: 25%
- Hispanic: 8%
- Asian: 7% and;
- Multi-race: 5%
In addition, the most diverse private high school in Alabama is currently Trace Crossings Elementary School, with a diversity score of 0.73.
However, the average public school diversity score in Alabama is approximately 0.59 per year (2021-22).
Academics in Alabama Private High Schools
Alabama high schools have record performances academically on a yearly basis.
To show that, 55,658 Alabama students of the 2020 graduates took the ACT; their mean composite score was an 18.8 out of a possible 36.
This is about 1,500 fewer students than 2019’s graduating class, which scored a slightly higher mean composite of 18.9.
Nationally, the average composite score in 2020 was 20.6. While 2019’s was slightly higher at 20.7.
Student Enrollment in Colleges
As revealed by the National Student Clearinghouse, a fair number of Alabama high school students go further to colleges upon their graduation.
54% of Alabama’s class of 2020 enrolled in a two- or four-year college, down from 58% in 2019, but down more than 10% points from 2014, when 65% of Alabama graduates enrolled in college.
While the college-going rate has edged down, the number of Alabama private high school graduates has been going up, as high school graduation rates have climbed.
So though the rate was lower, more students entered higher education.
How Many Private High Schools are in Alabama?
From 718 high schools in Alabama, 153 are private high schools.
Therefore, that means only 565 of them are public schools.
Nevertheless, Alabama ranks as the 25th state in terms of student enrollment and 25th in terms of total number of schools.
Read Also: Best Private High Schools in Arizona
List of 10 Best Private High Schools in Alabama
Furthermore, we’ve outlined some of the best private schools you can find in Alabama.
#1. Indian Springs School
- Location: INDIAN SPRINGS, AL 8-12
- Current Rating: 4.38 out of 5 in 45 reviews
- Students population: 321
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual tuition: $26, 500
#2. The Altamont School
- Location: BIRMINGHAM, AL 5-12
- Rating 4.33 out of 5 in 24 reviews
- Student population 365
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Annual tuition: $24, 262
#3. Randolph School
- Location: HUNTSVILLE, AL K-12
- Rating 4.25 out of 5 in 84 reviews
- Student population: 920
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual tuition: $22, 391
#4. The Montgomery Academy
- Location: MONTGOMERY, AL K-12
- Rating 4.33 out of 5 in 67 reviews
- Student population: 805
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual tuition: $15, 948
#5. St. John Paul II Catholic High School
- Location: HUNTSVILLE, AL 9-12
- Rating 4.33 out of 5 in 86 reviews
- Student population: 334
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Annual tuition: $9, 400
Some other Private High Schools in Alabama
#6. St. Paul’s Episcopal School
- Location: MOBILE, AL PK, K-12
- Rating 4.49 out of 5 : 81 reviews
- Student population: 1,198
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Annual tuition: $12, 360
#7. UMS-Wright Preparatory School
- Location: MOBILE, AL PK, 1-12
- Rating 4.38 out of 5 in 72 reviews
- Student population: 1,150
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual tuition: $11, 655
#8. Saint James School
- Location: MONTGOMERY, AL PK, K-12
- Rating 4.56 out of 5 in 180 reviews
- Student population: 882
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Annual tuition: $14, 206
#9. St. Bernard Preparatory School
- Location: CULLMAN, AL 7-12
- Rating 4.22 out of 5 in 37 reviews
- Student population: 212
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Annual tuition: $10, 220
#10. Bayside Academy
- Location: DAPHNE, AL PK, K-12
- Rating 4.38 out of 5 in 71 reviews
- Student population: 711
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Annual tuition: $12, 500
Conclusion: Private High School in Alabama
Private high schools in Alabama offer a refined form of education.
Bringing you close to societal culture and intellectual excellence.
Also, they afford you a closer experience with education as they provide a convenient student-to-teacher ratio.
Also, they provide financial benefits to students to spur academic and extracurricular participation.
All these are aimed at propelling the student in you.