Fort Payne High School ranked #847 in Alabama in 2023, showing a decline from #490 in 2018 and remaining in the bottom 50% of state schools overall.
Graduation rate was 98% in 2023, ranking in the top 1% statewide and exceeding the Alabama average of 88%.
Math proficiency was 26%, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 25% and science proficiency 23%, both lower than their respective state averages of 47% and 38%.
Enrollment increased from 933 students in 2017 to 1,112 in 2023, with minority enrollment at 53% and 734 students eligible for free lunch, reflecting a rise in socioeconomic need over time.
The school served grades 9–12 with 62 teachers in 2023, maintaining a student–teacher ratio of 18:1, consistent with recent years.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,106 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 1% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Fort Payne area, with most students within a 10-15 minute drive (average 5.1 mi., furthest 8.5 mi.).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Fort Payne High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Fort Payne High School's student population of 1,106 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 66 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,106 students
Total Classroom Teachers
66 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Fort Payne 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 Fort Payne High School is 0.57, 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
#847 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
47%
12%
Black
3%
31%
White
46%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fort Payne High School's ranking?
Fort Payne High School is ranked #847 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% 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 Fort Payne High School?
The graduation rate of Fort Payne High School is 98%, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Fort Payne High School?
1,106 students attend Fort Payne High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Fort Payne High School students are Hispanic, 46% of students are White, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fort Payne High School?
Fort Payne High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Fort Payne High School offer ?
Fort Payne High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Fort Payne High School part of?
Fort Payne High School is part of Fort Payne City School District.
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