Austin High School in Decatur, AL, ranked #863 statewide in 2023, declining from #590 in 2014 and fluctuating in the bottom 50% in overall testing performance over recent years.
Math proficiency was 24% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 25%, also lower than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency stood at 26%, below the state average of 38%.
Minority enrollment comprised 72% of the student body in 2023, with total enrollment declining from 1,494 students in 2010 to 1,055 students in 2023, and free lunch eligibility rising to 59%.
The school served grades 10–12 with 1,055 students and 69 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 15:1, among the lowest in Alabama.
Graduation rates were 94% in 2023, above the state average of 88%, consistently ranking in the top 30% statewide.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 999 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 30% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Decatur area, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive (average 2.8 mi., furthest 5.3 mi.).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Austin High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Austin High School's student population of 999 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 61 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
999 students
Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers
Colors
Burnt orange and black
School Calendar
School Rankings
Austin 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 Austin High School is 0.70, which is more 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
#863 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
34%
12%
Black
37%
31%
White
24%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Decatur City School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Black Bears
- Austin High School, located in Decatur, Alabama under the Decatur City Schools is one of the three high schools in the city. The other two are Decatur High School and Horizon High School. Austin has programs which include band, JROTC, athletic teams, and other extracurricular activities. In May 2006, Austin High School was certified as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.
- Only seven schools in Alabama offer the IB diploma program. Austin High School and Decatur High School are the only schools to offer the program north of Birmingham, Alabama.
- In 2004, Austin High School was ranked the 40th best high school in Alabama.
- Austin High School is the only school in Alabama to receive the Alabama Attorney General's Safe Schools Initiative Award for three consecutive years.
- Austin High football and soccer teams both play at the 9,000 seat Ogle Stadium on the southern end of the Decatur High School campus.
- Fine Arts: Austin High School continues to bring recognition to the City of Decatur. Austin has an outstanding history at the Alabama Bandmaster's Association Competition, setting records with Superior Ratings.
- Austin continues a string of 43 superior ratings, the longest in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Austin High School's ranking?
Austin High School is ranked #863 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Austin High School often compared to?
Austin High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Decatur High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Austin High School?
The graduation rate of Austin High School is 94%, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Austin High School?
999 students attend Austin High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Austin High School students are Black, 34% of students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Austin High School?
Austin High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Austin High School offer ?
Austin High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Austin High School part of?
Austin High School is part of Decatur City School District.
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