High Schools in Pickens County

The three high schools in Pickens County, Alabama—Gordo High School, Aliceville High School, and Pickens County High School—serve a rural, economically diverse area with enrollments ranging from 265 to 473 students and grade configurations spanning 5th through 12th grade.

The standout story is Pickens County High School, which jumped from the 18th to the 65th percentile in state rankings over two years, earning 3 stars—the highest in the county. It leads with a 97.4% graduation rate and top proficiency scores in 11th grade science (38.7%) and English (35.5%), despite having the smallest enrollment and a high poverty rate. In contrast, Aliceville High School ranks near the bottom statewide (5th percentile) with 0% proficiency in 11th grade math for two straight years, the highest chronic absenteeism (17.7%), and the largest student-teacher ratio (26.8:1)—all despite spending the most per student ($14,223). Gordo High School sits in the middle: it has the lowest poverty rate (53.3%) and best attendance (11.9% chronic absenteeism), but its ranking slipped to the 40th percentile, and its 11th grade math proficiency (18.8%) remains below the state average.

Key takeaways for parents: money doesn't guarantee results—Aliceville outspends Gordo by 52% yet lags in nearly every metric. Smaller class sizes appear to help, as Pickens County High School maintains a favorable 17.4:1 ratio and is improving rapidly. All three schools struggle with 11th grade math, falling 8 to 27 points below the state average, though English skills in lower grades are comparatively stronger. Attendance is a clear warning sign: the school with the lowest absenteeism (Gordo) is most stable, while the highest (Aliceville) has the worst outcomes. If you're choosing a school, Pickens County High School shows the most momentum, while Aliceville High School warrants caution despite its higher spending.