District reaches a score of 90 by continuing years of academic improvement; 16 schools earn A grades
Huntsville City Schools (HCS) has earned an A on the Alabama State Report Card, achieving an overall score of 90 for the 2025–2026 school year, according to the newest report cards released by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).
The results mark another milestone in the district's continued pursuit of academic excellence, reflecting a one-point increase from last year's score of 89 and an 8-point improvement since the 2021-2022 school year, when the district received a score of 82.
HCS has demonstrated sustained academic progress with this year's results representing the district's highest score ever and its first overall A.
"Earning an A is a tremendous accomplishment for Huntsville City Schools and a reflection of the hard work taking place in our classrooms every day," said Dr. Clarence Sutton, Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools. "This achievement belongs to our students, teachers, school leaders, support staff, families, and community partners who share our commitment to excellence. While we are proud of this milestone, we remain focused on building upon our progress and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed."
More Schools Achieving Academic Excellence
In addition to the districtwide A, the 2025–2026 report card results highlight strong performance across HCS schools.
Of the district's 43 schools receiving report card grades:
16 schools earned an A, an increase from 15 schools the previous year.
Three schools achieved perfect scores of 100: Hampton Cove Elementary School, Monte Sano Elementary School, and New Century Technology High School.
Additional notable improvements include:
Artemis Virtual Academy: Increased 18 points from 69 (D) to 87 (B) following limited accountability data as a newly established school.
Columbia High School: Increased eight points from 71 to 79.
Grissom High School: Increased eight points from 77 (C) to 85 (B).
Huntsville Junior High School: Increased six points from 74 (C) to 80 (B).
Huntsville High School: Increased four points from 90 to 94, maintaining its A grade.
Jemison High School: Increased 12 points from 69 (D) to 81 (B).
Other Schools Who Increased a Letter Grade:
Challenger Elementary School: Increased from 89 (B) to 90 (A).
Williams Middle School: Increased from 78 (C) to 80 (B).
These results reflect the continued efforts of school leaders, educators, and students to strengthen academic performance and create opportunities for student success.
A Record of Sustained Improvement
The district's latest results build upon years of steady academic progress.
The district's scores demonstrate a consistent upward trajectory:
2021–2022: 82 (B)
2022–2023: 84 (B)
2023–2024: 85 (B)
2024–2025: 88 (B)
2025–2026: 90 (A)
State report card scores were not reported for the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 school years.
"This A represents more than a letter grade. It reflects years of intentional work to strengthen teaching and learning, support our educators, and provide students with the resources they need to succeed," Sutton said. "We have made tremendous progress as a school system, and we are committed to maintaining that momentum."
Focused on Continuous Improvement
HCS continues to prioritize academic excellence through a districtwide approach emphasizing instructional leadership, academic alignment, and student-centered support.
Key areas of focus include:
Strengthening instructional leadership and accountability at the school and district levels.
Aligning curriculum, instruction, and academic resources across grade levels.
Providing targeted support and improvement strategies for schools with opportunities for growth.
Expanding professional learning opportunities and instructional support for teachers and school leaders.
Strengthening partnerships with families and community organizations to support student achievement.
Encouraging Family and Community Engagement
HCS recognizes that student achievement is a shared responsibility and encourages families to remain active partners in their children's education.
Families can support continued academic success by promoting regular school attendance, encouraging reading and positive study habits, monitoring academic progress, communicating with teachers, and participating in school activities.
"Our success is built on the collective efforts of an entire community that believes in our students," Sutton said. "As we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize that our work is never finished. We will continue striving for excellence in every school and every classroom."
Huntsville City Schools remains committed to providing safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments that prepare all students for success in college, careers, and life.
Complete state report card results for Huntsville City Schools and individual schools will be made available through the Alabama State Department of Education's School Report Card website.