For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 9,216 students in 35242, AL (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,381 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in 35242, AL are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 35242, AL are Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park, Mt Laurel Elementary School and Greystone Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 35242 have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the Alabama public school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 74% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 35242, AL have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Alabama public schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Alabama public school average of 50% (majority Black).
Best 35242, AL Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park
(Math: 80% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
17051 Liberty Pkwy
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 402-5400
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 402-5400
Gr: PK-5 | 546 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Mt Laurel Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1 Jefferson Place
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-7230
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-7230
Gr: K-5 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Greystone Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
300 Village Street
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 439-3200
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 439-3200
Gr: PK-5 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #44.
Oak Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5640 Cahaba Valley Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5230
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5230
Gr: PK-3 | 675 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #55.
Inverness Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5251 Valleydale Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5240
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5240
Gr: PK-3 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #66.
Oak Mountain Intermediate School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5486 Caldwell Mill Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5220
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5220
Gr: 4-5 | 636 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #77.
Liberty Park Middle School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
17035 Liberty Pkwy
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 402-5450
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 402-5450
Gr: 6-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #88.
Oak Mountain Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5650 Cahaba Valley Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5210
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5210
Gr: 6-8 | 1,168 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #99.
Berry Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4500 Jaguar Dr
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 439-2000
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 439-2000
Gr: 6-12 | 1,058 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #1010.
Oak Mountain High School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5476 Caldwell Mill Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5200
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 682-5200
Gr: 9-12 | 1,648 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #1111.
Spain Park High School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4700 Jaguar Drive
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 439-1400
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 439-1400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,472 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: n/an/a
Independence Preparatory Academy
Charter School
4614 Highway 280 1068
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 346-6366
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 346-6366
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 35242, AL?
The top-ranked public schools in 35242, AL include Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park, Mt Laurel Elementary School and Greystone Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 35242?
12 public schools are located in 35242.
What percentage of students in 35242 go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in 35242 are educated in public schools (compared to the AL state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 35242?
35242 public schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Alabama public schools average of 50% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
