High Schools in Huntsville City

The Huntsville City school district serves approximately 6,671 students across six high schools in Alabama, offering grades 9-12 and ranking 77th out of 139 districts in the state with a 2-star rating.

This district presents a clear two-tier structure. New Century Technology High School is the standout academic powerhouse, ranked #2 in Alabama with a 100% graduation rate and test scores roughly 2.5 to 3 times the state averages. Huntsville High School follows as a consistent top-30 performer with a 97.2% graduation rate, while Virgil Grissom High School rounds out the top tier at #37 in the state. At the other end, Columbia High School ranks #309, Jemison High School ranks #275, and Lee High School ranks #245, all with test scores well below state averages. Notably, higher per-student spending does not correlate with better outcomes—Lee High School spends the most at $12,340 per student yet ranks in the bottom half of the state.

There are some encouraging signs. Jemison High School showed dramatic improvement, jumping from #343 to #275 in one year with math proficiency more than tripling. The district also excels in English, averaging 46.49% proficiency compared to the state's 33.73%. However, Virgil Grissom High School presents a paradox—it ranks in the top 10% academically despite having the highest chronic absenteeism rate at 14.1%. For parents, the choice is stark: the top-tier schools offer exceptional outcomes, while the lower-tier schools struggle significantly, creating an equity concern within the same district.