Shades Valley High School, a Jefferson County public school in Birmingham, ranked #679 in Alabama in 2023, declining from #490 in 2021 and #189 in 2010, reflecting a downward trend in overall state ranking.
Math proficiency was 29% in 2023, approximately equal to the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 35%, lower than the state average of 47%; science proficiency was 34%, lower than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment decreased slightly to about 1,122 students in 2023 with a student–teacher ratio of 17:1, and 79% minority enrollment, indicating a stable high percentage of minority students over recent years.
The graduation rate has consistently exceeded the state average, standing at 93% in 2023 compared to the state's 88%.
Serving grades 9–12, had 677 students eligible for free lunch and 59 eligible for reduced–price lunch, showing a notable socioeconomic need within this Union County NJ high school community.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,094 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 30% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Shades Valley High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Shades Valley High School's student population of 1,094 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 65 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,094 students
Total Classroom Teachers
65 teachers
Year Founded
1948
School Rankings
Shades Valley High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shades Valley High School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#679 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
26%
12%
Black
52%
31%
White
18%
50%
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
55%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Shades Valley High School is a high school located in Irondale, Alabama. The school was established in 1948. The Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School is located on the same campus. Dabbs Technical Academy is located several miles away on a different campus. The school's academies include business, theater, and technical. Because of the draw from the county, SVHS/JCIB serves a diverse student body population. SVHS/JCIB serves grades 9-12. The administration is comprised of a principal and four assistant principals, one who primarily serves at JCIB. SVHS/JCIB colors are maroon and black, and the athletic teams are called the "Mounties". SVHS/JCIB has a variety of clubs which meet on alternate Tuesdays during Club Day. Sports include football, girls and boys basketball, girls and boys tennis and golf, girls volleyball, track, boys soccer, baseball and girls softball. The soccer team won the state championship in 2006. The SVHS/JCIB drama department is noted nationally as being one of the primier programs for drama. There have been many successful graduates of SVHS/JCIB including politicians and government officials, professionals in law, education, business, and medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shades Valley High School's ranking?
Shades Valley High School is ranked #679 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Shades Valley High School often compared to?
Shades Valley High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hoover High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Shades Valley High School?
The graduation rate of Shades Valley High School is 93%, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Shades Valley High School?
1,094 students attend Shades Valley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Shades Valley High School students are Black, 26% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shades Valley High School?
Shades Valley High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Shades Valley High School offer ?
Shades Valley High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shades Valley High School part of?
Shades Valley High School is part of Jefferson County School District.
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