Summary:
Madison, Alabama is served by 13 public schools—8 elementary schools (K-5, with two offering pre-K), 3 middle schools (6-8), and 2 high schools (9-12)—enrolling 13,388 students, with 12 schools in the top-ranked Madison City district and one in the Madison County district.
This is an exceptionally strong school system. Both James Clemens High School and Bob Jones High School rank in the 96th percentile statewide, with science proficiency (61-63%) nearly double the state average and graduation rates above 95%. Among middle schools, Liberty Middle School leads with a 94th percentile ranking, while Discovery Middle School and Journey Middle School follow closely. At the elementary level, Rainbow Elementary School and Heritage Elementary School are the top performers, both ranking above the 91st percentile. English proficiency is a clear strength across all schools, with several elementary schools exceeding 85% proficiency, while math scores are more varied—ranging from 51% at Horizon Elementary School to nearly 70% at Columbia Elementary School.
Parents should note a few key patterns. Chronic absenteeism is excellent at the elementary level (mostly under 9%) but rises sharply in high school, with Bob Jones High School exceeding the state average. Middle school math proficiency declines by grade—from roughly 60% in 6th grade to under 50% in 8th grade—suggesting a need for extra support. Horizon Elementary School presents a puzzle: it has the best attendance (4.1%) and highest English scores (86.9%) but the lowest math scores and a dramatic state ranking drop from 44th to 110th. Meanwhile, Heritage Elementary School posted exceptional 2024-2025 math results (83.65% in 4th grade) before regressing toward district norms. Per-student spending varies widely ($8,077 to $11,036) but doesn't clearly predict outcomes, and Legacy Elementary School—the lone Madison County school—performs competitively with its Madison City peers despite lower funding.
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