Jemison High School

Jemison High School is a public high school in Jemison, AL, serving 702 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Chilton County school district.

Jemison High School stands out for its remarkable work with students who need extra support. In the most recent school year, the school ranked in the top 3% statewide for academic growth among Special Education students—a dramatic jump from the bottom quarter just two years earlier. The school also excels with English Language Learners, ranking in the 87th percentile statewide, up from the 24th percentile three years ago. These achievements are especially notable given that the school serves a predominantly low-income population (67% of students receive free or reduced lunch) and spends less per student ($9,182) than nearby schools in Shelby County, such as Shelby County High School or Montevallo High School. The graduation rate has climbed to 92%, above both the district and state averages, and chronic absenteeism has dropped by more than half over three years.

Still, challenges remain. Math proficiency is low, with only about 15% of 11th graders meeting state standards—well below the state average of 27%. Science is a relative bright spot, outperforming the district average for three straight years. Class sizes are larger than nearby schools (a 21.8 student-teacher ratio compared to 16.1 at Thompson High School in the Alabaster City district), and overall test scores trail state averages. However, the school's consistent improvement—rising from the 25th to the 42nd percentile statewide over two years—suggests a positive trajectory. For parents, this is a school that clearly prioritizes its most vulnerable students and is making steady, measurable progress despite limited resources.