Birmingham, AL, August 17, 2025
News Summary
A recent ranking of private K-12 schools in the Birmingham metro area highlights schools that excel in metrics such as student-teacher ratios and college enrollment. With significant findings, this compilation examines various institutions across different cities, showcasing their commitment to providing personalized education.
Top Private K-12 Schools Ranked in Birmingham Metro Area
The Birmingham metro area boasts a number of well-ranked private K-12 schools, as revealed in a recent compilation by Stacker. Utilizing data from Niche, the report employed five weighted factors for evaluation, which include top colleges score, college enrollment, culture and diversity grade, parent and student surveys, and student-teacher ratio.
Key Findings of the Rankings
The analysis covered a diverse range of private K-12 schools located in cities such as Gardendale, Columbiana, Birmingham, West Blocton, Fairfield, Irondale, Alabaster, and Hoover. The top-ranking schools displayed a commendable balance of appropriate student-teacher ratios, solid Niche grades, and in many cases, higher college enrollment figures.
Highlighted Schools
- Birmingham, AL: Three schools in Birmingham achieved high ranks, with the highest having an enrollment of 19 students and a remarkable student-teacher ratio of 2:1, earning an Niche grade of A. Another Birmingham listing, with an enrollment of 1,850 students, also stands out with an A- grade.
- Hoover, AL: With a small enrollment of 57 students, Hoover School provides a nurturing environment with a superior student-teacher ratio of 7:1 and a grade of A-.
- Alabaster, AL: This school features an enrollment of 245 students, a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, and an A- grade, highlighting its comprehensive educational offerings.
- Irondale, AL: Known for its small size, Irondale has an enrollment of 195 and a notable student-teacher ratio of 8:1, resulting in a strong B+ grade.
Summary of Student-Teacher Ratios and Grades
Across the rankings, the student-teacher ratios show a focus on personalized learning experiences, with several schools achieving 1:1 and 3:1 ratios, significantly below the average ratios in public schools.
Detailed Enrollment and Performance Data
The complete list showcases a variety of schools with distinct enrollment figures and performance metrics:
| School Location | Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio | Niche Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardendale, AL | 358 | 16:1 | B- |
| Columbiana, AL | 170 | 9:1 | B- |
| Birmingham, AL | 645 | 16:1 | B- |
| West Blocton, AL | 166 | 3:1 | B |
| Fairfield, AL | 374 | 11:1 | B |
| Irondale, AL | 195 | 8:1 | B+ |
| Alabaster, AL | 245 | 8:1 | A- |
| Bessemer, AL | 347 | 12:1 | A- |
| Hoover, AL | 57 | 7:1 | A- |
Background Context
The Birmingham metropolitan area has seen a steady demand for quality private education, as parents seek smaller classrooms and more individualized attention for their children. This comprehensive ranking is significant in providing parents with data-driven insights to make informed educational choices for their families. The schools evaluated not only cater to a variety of educational needs but also represent diverse cultural environments, enhancing the learning experience across the board.
FAQ
What criteria were used to rank the schools?
The schools were ranked based on five weighted factors including top colleges score, college enrollment, culture and diversity grade, parent/student surveys, and student-teacher ratio.
Which school had the highest Niche grade in Birmingham?
The highest Niche grade recorded in Birmingham was an A, achieved by a school with an enrollment of 19 students and a student-teacher ratio of 2:1.
Are there significant differences in student-teacher ratios across the schools?
Yes, there are significant differences in student-teacher ratios, with some schools having as low as 2:1 and others up to 16:1, reflecting different educational environments.
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Additional Resources
- Tallassee Tribune: Best Private K-12 Schools in the Birmingham Metro Area
- AOL: Best Private K-12 Schools
- AL.com: How Much Does Private School Cost in Alabama?
- Alex City Outlook: Best Private K-12 Schools in the Birmingham Metro Area
- Alabama Daily News: Private Schools Receiving Larger Payments

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.


