Alabama is home to many excellent middle schools that focus on academic excellence, student engagement, and well-rounded development. Choosing the right middle school plays a vital role in shaping a student’s confidence, skills, and future success. This list of the best middle schools in Alabama for 2026 highlights top-performing schools based on academics, student–teacher ratios, and learning environments to help families make informed choices.
Comparison Table – Best Middle Schools in Alabama
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Phillips Preparatory Middle School | Mobile | 6–8 | 438 | 13:1 |
| #2 | Oak Mountain Middle School | Birmingham | 6–8 | 477 | 20:1 |
| #3 | Riverton Intermediate School | Huntsville | 4–6 | 411 | 22:1 |
| #4 | Mountain Gap Middle School | Huntsville | 6–8 | 392 | 16:1 |
| #5 | Monrovia Middle School | Huntsville | 6–8 | 494 | 20:1 |
| #6 | Bernice J. Causey Middle School | Mobile | 6–8 | 468 | 21:1 |
| #7 | Challenger Middle School | Huntsville | 6–8 | 428 | 16:1 |
| #8 | Academy for Science & Foreign Language MS | Huntsville | 6–8 | 446 | 10:1 |
| #9 | Academy for Academics and Arts MS | Huntsville | 6–8 | 264 | 14:1 |
| #10 | Huntsville Junior High School | Huntsville | 6–8 | 459 | 19:1 |
1. Phillips Preparatory Middle School
Phillips Preparatory Middle School is a public magnet school in Mobile serving students in grades 6 through 8. The school is widely recognized for its strong academic standards and enrichment-focused curriculum. Students benefit from advanced coursework, arts programs, and a supportive learning environment that encourages academic excellence and personal growth.
- Address: 3255 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36607
- Ranking: #1 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 438
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Link: Visit This School
2. Oak Mountain Middle School
Oak Mountain Middle School in Birmingham serves students in grades 6 through 8 and is known for its strong academics and school culture. The school emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and student responsibility. Teachers focus on helping students build solid foundations in core subjects.
- Address: 5650 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
- Ranking: #2 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 477
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Link: Visit This School
3. Riverton Intermediate School
Riverton Intermediate School in Huntsville serves grades 4 through 6 and is part of Huntsville City Schools. The school offers a balanced academic program that prepares students for the transition to middle school while supporting social and emotional development.
- Address: 399 Homer Nance Rd, Huntsville, AL 35811
- Ranking: #3 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 4–6
- Students: 411
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Link: Visit This School
4. Mountain Gap Middle School
Mountain Gap Middle School in Huntsville serves students in grades 6 through 8. The school maintains a supportive environment with small-group instruction and personalized learning. Teachers focus on helping students succeed academically while building confidence and responsibility.
- Address: 821 Mountain Gap Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
- Ranking: #4 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 392
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Link: Visit This School
5. Monrovia Middle School
Monrovia Middle School is part of a high-performing school cluster in Huntsville. Serving grades 6 through 8, the school focuses on strong academics, student engagement, and preparation for high school success.
- Address: 1216 Jeff Rd, Huntsville, AL 35806
- Ranking: #5 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 494
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Link: Visit This School
6. Bernice J. Causey Middle School
Bernice J. Causey Middle School in Mobile serves a large student population in grades 6 through 8. The school offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs that support student growth.
- Address: 2205 McFarland Rd, Mobile, AL 36695
- Ranking: #6 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 468
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Link: Visit This School
7. Challenger Middle School
Challenger Middle School in Huntsville provides a well-rounded education for grades 6 through 8. The school emphasizes academic achievement, leadership, and positive behavior.
- Address: 13555 Chaney Thompson Rd, Huntsville, AL 35803
- Ranking: #7 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 428
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Link: Visit This School
📚 Historical & Interesting Facts
Alabama has expanded magnet and specialized middle school programs over the past few decades to support gifted education, arts, and STEM learning. Many districts now offer advanced coursework and career exploration opportunities starting in middle school.
8. Academy for Science Foreign Language Middle School
This magnet middle school in Huntsville focuses on science and foreign language instruction. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention and deeper learning.
- Address: 3221 Mastin Lake Rd, Huntsville, AL 35810
- Ranking: #8 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 446
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Link: Visit This School
9. Academy for Academics and Arts Middle School
Academy for Academics and Arts Middle School in Huntsville is a magnet school serving grades 6 through 8. The school combines strong academics with visual and performing arts.
- Address: 4800 Sparkman Dr NE, Huntsville, AL 35810
- Ranking: #9 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 264
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Link: Visit This School
10. Huntsville Junior High School
Huntsville Junior High School serves students in grades 6 through 8 and is part of a strong-performing district. The school supports both academic and personal growth.
- Address: 817 Adams St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Ranking: #10 Middle School in Alabama
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 459
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Link: Visit This School
Conclusion
The schools listed above represent some of the best middle schools in Alabama for 2026, offering quality academics, supportive teachers, and engaging learning environments. Exploring these options can help families choose the best fit for their child’s educational needs.
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FAQs
Phillips Preparatory Middle School is ranked #1.
Most serve grades 6–8, though some serve 4–6.
Yes, several magnet schools appear on this list.
Lower ratios allow more individualized attention.
Use the “Visit This School” link under each listing.
