Summary:
There is one high school in Chelsea, Alabama—Chelsea High School—serving grades 9 through 12 as part of the Shelby County school district, which is ranked 29th out of 139 districts in the state.
Chelsea High School is an exceptional institution, ranking 20th out of 380 Alabama high schools for the 2025–2026 school year, placing it in the top 5.3% statewide with a 5-star rating. This marks the third consecutive year of a 5-star rating, with rankings of 20th, 18th, and 25th over the past three years, demonstrating sustained excellence. The school boasts a 96.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the district (94.5%) and state (91.5%) averages. Academically, Chelsea High outperforms state averages by more than 20 percentage points in every subject, with the strongest performance in science (56.06% proficiency) and mathematics (51.14% proficiency). The most dramatic improvement came in math, which jumped nearly 7 percentage points in one year. English proficiency dipped slightly to 50%, though it remains well above state levels. The school also maintains a low chronic absenteeism rate of 10.6%, better than both district and state figures, and has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Chelsea High School is a clear leader within Shelby County, outperforming district averages in every metric. The school's strengths in math and science, combined with strong attendance and a high graduation rate, make it a top choice in the area. The only area of slight concern is English proficiency, which dipped modestly year-over-year, though it remains far above state averages. With a relatively low free/reduced lunch rate of 23.48%, the school serves a more affluent population, which may contribute to its success. Overall, Chelsea High offers a stable, high-performing environment with positive momentum, making it an excellent option for families seeking a rigorous academic experience in Alabama.
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