Summary:
Zip code 35406 in Tuscaloosa, AL, is served by a single public high school, Northridge High School, which enrolls 1,153 students in grades 9-12 within the Tuscaloosa City district.
Northridge High School is a standout performer, ranking 30th out of 380 high schools statewide (92nd percentile, 5 stars) for the 2025-2026 school year. This places it in the top 8% of Alabama high schools, and it has consistently ranked in the 87th percentile or higher over the past three years. The school dramatically outperforms its district in every academic subject. For example, 11th-grade math proficiency is 46.61% compared to the district's 22.47%, and science proficiency is 56.18% versus the district's 36.17% average. Its graduation rate of 93.5% also exceeds both the district (89.5%) and state (91.5%) averages. Only 33.74% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, indicating a relatively affluent student body.
Despite its academic excellence, there are a few areas of concern. Chronic absenteeism stands at 16.8%, notably higher than the district (11.1%) and state (12.0%) averages, which could pose a hidden risk. The student-teacher ratio is also relatively high at 21.1:1, suggesting that the school's success is driven more by curriculum and teaching quality than small class sizes. On a positive note, the school showed remarkable year-over-year improvement, with math proficiency jumping from 38.76% to 46.61% and science from 46.58% to 56.18% between 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. Per-student spending is $9,436. Overall, Northridge High School is an excellent choice for families seeking a high-achieving school, though parents may want to monitor attendance patterns.
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