Edmund Pettus Bridge · Photo: Carol M. Highsmith · Public domainSelma’s public schools score below 93% of Alabama districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 8% of Selma’s students scored proficient, below the Alabama average (27%). The grade covers the public school district serving Selma, 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 98% 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.
Selma’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 26% of tested students were proficient in reading and 8% in math, against 47% and 27% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
78% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama. Districts ↓
Spending, and where it came from
The district spent $14,883 per student in FY2024, against $13,926 across Alabama. 37% of its revenue that year was federal (Alabama 16%), in the last year of pandemic relief. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is The RBHudson STEAM Academy, then Selma High School. Enrollment is down 13% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Ellwood Christian Academy (private) is 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 Selma’s grade
D: better than 7% of Alabama school districts, #181 of 187 Alabama towns. Both inputs trail the Alabama average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Selma, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Selma · depends on your address
Edgewood Elementary School
Grades PK–6 · 402 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Meadowview Elementary School
Grades PK–6 · 334 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Sophia P Kingston Elementary School
Grades PK–6 · 305 students · 23:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Selma
Selma High School
Grades 9–12 · 680 students · 19:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Selma
Selma High School
Grades 9–12 · 680 students · 19:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Selma
Selma High School
Grades 9–12 · 680 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Selma’s public schools are run by Selma 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
Selma vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alabama towns that share Selma’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Selma | D | Selma City |
| Valley Grande | C− | Dallas County |
Every school in Selma
8 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: 4 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Phoenix School, Byrd First Class Early Learning Center, School Of Discovery Genesis Center and Saints Virtual Academy).
Questions about Selma’s schools
Are Selma’s schools good?
On Alabama’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Selma children attend score below 93% of Alabama’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #181 of 187 Alabama towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 8%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Selma in?
Selma City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 2,301 students in 8 schools (2024–25).
Where do Selma kids go to high school?
Selma High School, with 680 students; its own test results earn a D−.
What is Selma’s graduation rate?
78% of the class of 2023 in Selma City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama.
How much does Selma spend per student?
$14,883 in Selma City School District (FY2024), against $13,926 across Alabama. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Selma?
Yes: Ellwood Christian Academy (religious, grades K–12, 110 students).
Parents talk
What Selma families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Selma → 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.