# Alabama public high school academic rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alabama-public-high-school-academic-rankings
> Updated: 2026-08-28T17:44:44.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Recent U.S. News & World Report rankings indicate that several Alabama public high schools have placed within the top 5% of high schools nationwide. The evaluation utilized metrics including graduation rates, state test performance, and participation in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.

In Huntsville, New Century Tech Demo High School achieved the state’s highest ranking at No. 131 nationally. Other schools in the top 5% include Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hewitt-Trussville, Fairhope, Spain Park, and Oak Mountain high schools. Overall, 64 Alabama schools, or 21.8% of those ranked, placed within the top 25% nationally.

In Shelby County, Oak Mountain High School led local performers by ranking 8th in the state and 818th nationally. Other notable regional performers include Chelsea High School, ranked 24th in Alabama, and Helena High School, ranked 36th. Data shows significant Advanced Placement engagement in the area, with Helena reporting a 51% participation rate and Oak Mountain reporting 59%.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Shelby County high schools earn top Alabama rankings

Shelby County high schools, including Oak Mountain, Chelsea, and Helena, earned top rankings in Alabama according to the latest U.S. News & World Report.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shelby-county-high-schools-earn-top-alabama-rankings

### 2026-08-18: Alabama public high schools rank in top 5% nationally

Eight Alabama public high schools ranked in the top 5% nationally according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, with New Century Tech Demo High School leading the state at No. 131.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-public-high-schools-rank-in-top-5-nationally

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Cite as: Alabama public high school academic rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alabama-public-high-school-academic-rankings