Verbena High School ranked #926 in Alabama in 2023, improving slightly from #973 in 2022 but remaining in the bottom 50% statewide, reflecting inconsistent overall ranking performance over recent years.
Math proficiency stood at 13% in 2023, lower than the state average of 30%, while reading proficiency was 33%, also lower than the state average of 47%; science proficiency ranged between 15–19%, below the state average of 38%.
Enrollment hovered around 575 students across grades PK–12 with a student–teacher ratio of 17:1; minority enrollment comprised approximately 20%, including 59 Hispanic and 37 Black students, and 447 students qualified for free lunch, indicating a high level of socioeconomic need.
Graduation rates were between 70–79% in recent years, notably below the state average of 88%, highlighting challenges in student completion rates at this Union County NJ high school.
From 2019 to 2023, the percentage of students eligible for free lunch grew from 59% to 77%, signaling a rising socioeconomic shift within the Verbena High School community.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 589 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 70-79% (Btm 50% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Students from Verbena typically reside within a 20-30 minute drive, averaging 18.4 miles, with the furthest being 30.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Verbena High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Verbena High School's student population of 589 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
589 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
1920
School Calendar
School Rankings
Verbena 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 Verbena High School is 0.33, 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
#926 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
9%
12%
Black
6%
31%
White
81%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-79%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Chilton County School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Devils
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Verbena High School's ranking?
Verbena High School is ranked #926 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Verbena High School often compared to?
Verbena High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Thorsby High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Verbena High School?
The graduation rate of Verbena High School is 70-79%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Verbena High School?
589 students attend Verbena High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Verbena High School students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Verbena High School?
Verbena High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Verbena High School offer ?
Verbena High School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Verbena High School part of?
Verbena High School is part of Chilton County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Verbena is an excellent school with great teachers who genuinely care about their students. In my opinion it is one of the top schools in chilton county based on the quality of teachers.
5 10/10/2025
i AM A 1949 GRADUATE...YES, 1949. VERBENA WAS AN EXCELLENT SCHOOL THEN, AS I SEE IT STILL IS, AND MY TIME AT VERBENA MADE COLLEGE SO EASY FOR ME. OUR TEACHERS WERE SO VERY INTERESTED IN MAKING US WELL ROUNDED INDIVIDUALS, AS WELL AS EDUCATED IN THE BOOKS. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO THE BEST SCHOOL IN ALABAMA.
Review Verbena High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
