Summary:
Pelham, Alabama, is served by a single public high school, Pelham High School, which enrolls students in grades 9 through 12 within the Pelham City school district.
For parents, the most important takeaway is that Pelham High School is a strong academic performer that consistently beats state averages. In the most recent testing year, the school outperformed Alabama in all three core subjects: 39.92% of students were proficient in math versus 27.21% statewide, 42.80% in science versus 36.17%, and 41.74% in English versus 33.73%. The math score represents a dramatic 12.91-point improvement from the prior year, which is a standout achievement worth noting. The graduation rate is also excellent at 95.8%, well above the state’s 91.5%. With a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14.8:1, students are likely to receive solid individual attention. The school’s state ranking improved from 82nd to 59th out of roughly 380 schools, placing it in the 84th percentile.
One area to watch is chronic absenteeism, which sits at 11.1%—slightly below the state average of 12.0% but notably higher than the district’s 7.3% rate. This gap suggests attendance challenges may be more pronounced at the high school level compared to other schools in the district. Additionally, 43.22% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating a moderate level of economic need, yet the school’s high achievement shows that economic factors are not limiting success. While spending data is outdated (from 2018–2019 at $11,406 per student), the recent academic gains, especially in math, suggest effective instructional strategies. Overall, Pelham High School offers a high-quality education with strong outcomes, though improving attendance could further boost its already impressive results.
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