Pelham High School is a public high school located in Pelham, Alabama. Though formerly part of the Shelby County School System, it has been part of the Pelham City Schools System since 2014. Pelham High School was built in 1973 and opened in 1974.
Serving 1,100 students in grades 9-12, Pelham High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 38% (which is higher than the Alabama state average of 30%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Alabama state average of 49% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,100 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 92% (Top 30% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 38% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pelham High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Pelham High School's student population of 1,100 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 70 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,100 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
70 teachers
Year Founded
1974
Colors
Green, Gold
School Rankings
Pelham High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pelham High School is 0.68, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#541 out of 1275 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
1%
Hispanic
29%
11%
Black
19%
32%
White
45%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
92%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
42%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pelham High School's ranking?
Pelham High School is ranked #541 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Pelham High School often compared to?
Pelham High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Thompson High School, Chelsea High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
38% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Pelham High School?
The graduation rate of Pelham High School is 92%, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Pelham High School?
1,100 students attend Pelham High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Pelham High School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Pelham High School?
Pelham High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Pelham High School offer ?
Pelham High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Pelham High School part of?
Pelham High School is part of Pelham City School District.
School Reviews
Review Pelham High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
