Best High Schools in Cullman, AL

There are four high schools serving students in the Cullman, Alabama area, spanning grades 9-12 across two districts: Cullman City and Cullman County, with a combined enrollment of 2,602 students.

Cullman High School is the standout performer by a wide margin, ranking in the 97th percentile statewide and earning a 5-star rating. Its proficiency rates are roughly double to triple those of the county schools—for example, 69% of its students are proficient in English compared to just 20% at West Point High School. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism (9.1%), the lowest poverty rate (28.6% free/reduced lunch), and the most favorable student-teacher ratio (16.3:1). Among the county schools, Good Hope High School showed the most dramatic improvement, jumping from the 52nd to the 83rd percentile in one year, though it still struggles with the highest chronic absenteeism rate at 20.1%. Fairview High School and West Point both rank in the mid-40s percentile, with Fairview having the highest poverty rate (48.2%) and lowest math proficiency (19.3%).

All four schools exceed the state average graduation rate of 91.5%, with West Point leading at 99.2% despite its lower test scores—suggesting a focus on credit completion over rigorous academics. Spending per student does not predict performance: Fairview spends the most ($11,313) yet has the lowest math scores, while West Point spends the least ($9,218) but graduates the highest percentage of students. The data clearly shows a city-county divide in resources and outcomes, with Cullman High School benefiting from lower poverty, smaller class sizes, and consistent top-tier performance over three years. For parents, this means Cullman High School offers the strongest academics, while the county schools provide solid graduation rates but with more variability in test scores and larger class sizes.