High Schools in Colbert County

The three public high schools in Colbert County, Alabama—Colbert Heights High School, Colbert County High School, and Cherokee High School—serve grades 7 through 12 and collectively enroll about 1,111 students in a predominantly rural area where 56% to 64% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Colbert Heights High School is the clear standout, earning the district’s highest state ranking (150th of 380, 3 stars) and boasting a 98.5% graduation rate—well above the state average of 91.5%. It also leads the district in 11th-grade science (36.6% proficient) and English (35.7% proficient), while spending the least per student ($10,428). In contrast, Colbert County High School is the biggest concern: its 11th-grade English proficiency is just 9.6%—less than a third of the state average—and its graduation rate (89.4%) is the lowest in the district. Cherokee High School shows the most dramatic improvement, jumping from a 1-star to a 2-star rating in one year, with 11th-grade math proficiency soaring from 3.6% to 18.8%.

Chronic absenteeism is a district-wide red flag, with rates ranging from 18.3% at Colbert County to 23.7% at Cherokee—all well above the state’s 12% average. Interestingly, Cherokee spends the most per student ($13,870) and has the best student-teacher ratio (10.3:1), yet its outcomes remain mixed, suggesting money alone doesn’t drive success. A troubling pattern emerges across all schools: 7th-grade English scores are strong (46-68% proficient), but 11th-grade scores plummet, indicating students lose ground during high school. For parents, Colbert Heights offers the most consistent, high-quality education, while Cherokee is trending upward and may be worth watching. Colbert County High School needs urgent attention, particularly in English instruction and graduation support.