Photo: Rudi Weikard · CC BY-SA 3.0Bessemer’s public schools score below 99% of Alabama districts on tests and graduation
5% of students in Bessemer’s public schools are proficient in math, below the Alabama average (27%). The grade covers the public school district serving Bessemer, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Alabama, not nationally.
From Alabama state tests taken in spring 2022, when 96% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Bessemer’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 20% of tested students were proficient in reading and 5% in math, against 47% and 27% statewide; 96% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
71% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $18,309 per student, against $13,926 across Alabama (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Bessemer City Middle School, then Bessemer City High School. Enrollment is down 12% since 2021–22. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School, Empower Community SchoolLower School, Empower Community School Upper Campus, New Life Christian School of Excellence (private), Dunnams Private School (private) and Triumphant Child Care Center (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Bessemer’s grade
D−: better than 1% of Alabama school districts, #186 of 187 Alabama towns. Both inputs trail the Alabama average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Bessemer, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Bessemer
Bessemer City Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 616 students · 21:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Bessemer
Bessemer City Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 616 students · 21:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Bessemer
Bessemer City Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 616 students · 21:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Bessemer
Bessemer City High School
Grades 9–12 · 760 students · 22:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Bessemer
Bessemer City High School
Grades 9–12 · 760 students · 22:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Bessemer
Bessemer City High School
Grades 9–12 · 760 students · 22:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Bessemer
Bessemer City High School
Grades 9–12 · 760 students · 22:1 students per teacher
Bessemer’s public schools are run by Bessemer City School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Bessemer vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alabama towns that share Bessemer’s borders.
Every school in Bessemer
13 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Alabama’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 2 public programs with fewer than 25 students (New Horizon Alternative School and Bessemer Center For Technology).
Questions about Bessemer’s schools
Are Bessemer’s schools good?
On Alabama’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Bessemer children attend score below 99% of Alabama’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 2%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Bessemer in?
Bessemer City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,012 students in 7 schools (2024–25).
Where do Bessemer kids go to high school?
Bessemer City High School, with 760 students; its own test results earn a D−.
What is Bessemer’s graduation rate?
71% of the class of 2023 in Bessemer City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama.
How much does Bessemer spend per student?
$18,309 in Bessemer City School District (FY2024), against $13,926 across Alabama. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Bessemer?
Yes: New Life Christian School of Excellence (religious, grades K–5, 107 students), Dunnams Private School (religious, grades PK–K, 85 students) and Triumphant Child Care Center (religious, grades K, 2 students). Bessemer also has 3 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Bessemer families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Bessemer → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Alabama. Stars are from neighbors.