Foster Auditorium, The University of Alabama · Photo: Ttownfeen · Public domainTuscaloosa’s public schools score below 68% of Alabama districts on tests and graduation
In Tuscaloosa, 22% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Alabama average (27%). The grade covers the public school district serving Tuscaloosa, 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.
Tuscaloosa’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 41% of tested students were proficient in reading and 22% in math, against 47% and 27% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
87% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,597 per student, against $13,926 across Alabama (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
11 elementary schools, then five middle and three high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
American Christian Academy (private), Holy Spirit Catholic School (private), Tuscaloosa Academy (private), The Capitol School (private) and Bear Creek Academy (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 Tuscaloosa’s grade
C: better than 32% of Alabama school districts, #131 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 Tuscaloosa, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Tuscaloosa · depends on your address
Northridge High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,153 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Paul W Bryant High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,134 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Cottondale
Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 796 students · 18:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Tuscaloosa · depends on your address
Northridge High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,153 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Paul W Bryant High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,134 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Cottondale
Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 796 students · 18:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Tuscaloosa · depends on your address
Northridge High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,153 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Paul W Bryant High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,134 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Cottondale
Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 796 students · 18:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Tuscaloosa · depends on your address
Northridge High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,153 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Paul W Bryant High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,134 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Cottondale
Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 796 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Tuscaloosa’s public schools are run by Tuscaloosa City School District. Parts of Tuscaloosa (6% of its land) are served by Tuscaloosa County instead. 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
Tuscaloosa vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alabama towns that share Tuscaloosa’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa | C | Tuscaloosa City |
| Northport | B− | Tuscaloosa County |
| Vance | B− | Tuscaloosa County |
| Brookwood | B− | Tuscaloosa County |
Every school in Tuscaloosa
24 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 (Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy, STARS Academy, Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Detention Center and I Dream Big Charter Schools).
Questions about Tuscaloosa’s schools
Are Tuscaloosa’s schools good?
On Alabama’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Tuscaloosa children attend score below 68% of Alabama’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #131 of 187 Alabama towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 28%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Tuscaloosa in?
Tuscaloosa City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 11,230 students in 19 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Tuscaloosa are served by Tuscaloosa County.
Where do Tuscaloosa kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: Northridge High School, Paul W Bryant High School and Central High School.
What is Tuscaloosa’s graduation rate?
87% of the class of 2023 in Tuscaloosa City School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Alabama.
How much does Tuscaloosa spend per student?
$15,597 in Tuscaloosa City School District (FY2024), against $13,926 across Alabama. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Tuscaloosa?
Yes: American Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–12, 1,095 students), Holy Spirit Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–12, 475 students), Tuscaloosa Academy (nonsectarian, grades PK–12, 460 students), The Capitol School (religious, grades PK–12, 183 students) and Bear Creek Academy (religious, grades PK–12, 64 students).
Parents talk
What Tuscaloosa families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Tuscaloosa → 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.