#1 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Randolph School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest of 39 independent schools in Alabama
Huntsville, AL
A+Overall grade1,005 students8 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Alabama
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Alabama. Top 25 of 25 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Tuscaloosa Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, AL
A+Overall grade412 students6 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
The Altamont School
Independent school · Grades 5–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Birmingham, AL
A+Overall grade379 students9 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Lyman Ward Military Academy
Independent school · Grades 6–12
Smaller classes than 79% of independent schools in Alabama
Camp Hill, AL
A+Overall gradeAll boys97 students8 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Huntsville College Preparatory School
Independent school · Grades K–12
One of the most diverse private schools in Alabama
Huntsville, AL
A+Overall grade67 students8 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Red Mountain Community School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Smaller classes than 96% of independent schools in Alabama
Birmingham, AL
A-Overall grade68 students5 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Bayside Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Alabama
Daphne, AL
B+Overall grade786 students9 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
The Donoho School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Anniston, AL
B+Overall grade353 students14 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
River Region Academy
Independent school · Grades K–12
The largest independent school in Montgomery
Montgomery, AL
B+Overall grade80 students7 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Red Mtn. Community School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One school from pre-K through 12th grade
Birmingham, AL
B+Overall grade68 students9 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Houston Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Alabama
Dothan, AL
B+Overall grade672 students13 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Cornerstone High School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
B+Overall grade659 students8 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Escambia Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Atmore
Atmore, AL
BOverall grade165 students11 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Alabama Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Serving families in Birmingham since at least 2011
Birmingham, AL
BOverall grade93 students13 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Highlands School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
One of 7 independent schools in Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
BOverall grade296 students8 students per teacher
#16 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
The Lakeside School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One school from pre-K through 12th grade
Eufaula, AL
BOverall grade272 students12 students per teacher
#17 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Riverhill School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–6
The only independent school in Florence
Florence, AL
BOverall grade136 students11 students per teacher
#18 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Sharp Dean School of Continuing Studies
Independent school · Grades K–12
One of 2 independent schools in Anniston
Anniston, AL
BOverall grade62 students
#19 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Edgewood Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
85% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Elmore, AL
B-Overall grade210 students11 students per teacher
#20 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Patrician Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Serving families in Butler since at least 2011
Butler, AL
B-Overall grade239 students13 students per teacher
#21 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Fort Dale Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Serving families in Greenville since at least 2011
Greenville, AL
B-Overall grade426 students12 students per teacher
#22 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Hooper Academy
Independent school · Grades K–12
An independent school in Hope Hull
Hope Hull, AL
B-Overall grade210 students11 students per teacher
#23 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Chambers Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Growing: enrollment up 115% since 2011–12
Lafayette, AL
B-Overall grade312 students15 students per teacher
#24 Best Independent Schools in Alabama
Pickens Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Serving families in Carrollton since at least 2011
Carrollton, AL
B-Overall grade239 students16 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.