High Schools in Franklin County

The three high schools in Franklin County, Alabama—Tharptown High School, Phil Campbell High School, and Red Bay High School—serve grades 7-12 in a rural, small-town setting, with enrollments ranging from 322 to 410 students. The district itself is rated as average (3 stars, 52nd percentile statewide), but individual school outcomes vary dramatically, making school choice particularly important for families in this area.

Red Bay High School is the clear academic leader, earning a 4-star rating and ranking 105th in Alabama (72nd percentile). It boasts the highest graduation rate (95.5%), the lowest economic disadvantage rate (38.82% free/reduced lunch), and exceptional 8th-grade test scores—55.56% proficient in math and 85.71% in science, both far exceeding state averages. However, its chronic absenteeism (15.9%) is the highest in the group, and its 11th-grade scores drop sharply, suggesting a strong middle school program that doesn't fully carry through to upper grades. Phil Campbell High School is the most improved, jumping from 198th to 114th in state rankings over two years. It excels in science (49.18% 11th-grade proficiency in 2024-2025) and has the lowest chronic absenteeism (11.4%), though its graduation rate (90.0%) trails Red Bay. Tharptown High School struggles significantly, with a 1-star rating, a graduation rate of just 87.3%, and the highest poverty rate (62.93% free/reduced lunch). Its ranking fell 110 spots in one year, and its 11th-grade math proficiency was only 11.94% in 2025-2026.

Key takeaways for parents: spending per student does not predict success—Red Bay spends the least ($8,435) yet performs best, while Phil Campbell spends the most ($10,793). All three schools share a systemic weakness in 11th-grade English, with none reaching the state average of 33.73% proficiency. Small cohort sizes cause dramatic year-to-year swings in test scores, so a single year's data can be misleading. While economic disadvantage correlates with lower performance, Red Bay's success proves that poverty isn't destiny. For families prioritizing strong academics, Red Bay is the standout choice; for those valuing improvement and science instruction, Phil Campbell is a rising option; Tharptown would benefit from targeted interventions, particularly in math and graduation support.