For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,540 students in 35226, AL (there are , serving 837 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in 35226, AL are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in 35226, AL are Deer Valley Elementary School, Bluff Park Elementary School and Shades Mountain Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 35226 have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the Alabama public school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 35226, AL have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Alabama public schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Alabama public school average of 49% (majority Black).
Best 35226, AL Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Deer Valley Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4990 Ross Bridge Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-3300
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-3300
Grades: PK-5
| 749 students
Rank: #22.
Bluff Park Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
569 Park Avenue
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-2800
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-2800
Grades: PK-5
| 618 students
Rank: #33.
Shades Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2250 Sumpter St
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-3100
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-3100
Grades: PK-5
| 313 students
Rank: #44.
Gwin Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1580 Patton Chapel Road
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-2600
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-2600
Grades: PK-5
| 516 students
Rank: #55.
Ira F Simmons Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1575 Patton Chapel Road
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-2100
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-2100
Grades: 6-8
| 865 students
Rank: #66.
Green Valley Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3200 Old Columbiana Rd
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-2500
Birmingham, AL 35226
(205) 439-2500
Grades: PK-5
| 479 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 35226, AL?
The top ranked public schools in 35226, AL include Deer Valley Elementary School, Bluff Park Elementary School and Shades Mountain Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 35226?
6 public schools are located in 35226.
What percentage of students in 35226 go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in 35226 are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 35226?
35226 public schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Alabama public schools average of 49% (majority Black).
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.