Murphy High School, a Mobile County public high school in Alabama serving grades 9–12 with 1,255 students, ranked #994 statewide in 2023 after declining from a peak rank of #238 in 2010, indicating a downward trend in overall ranking.
Math proficiency was 15% in 2023, reading proficiency was 24%, and science proficiency was 18%, all lower than the state averages of 30%, 47%, and 38% respectively, reflecting weaker academic performance over recent years.
Enrollment declined from over 2,500 students in 2008 to approximately 1,255 in 2023, while minority enrollment remained high at about 85%, with 772 students eligible for free lunch, illustrating substantial demographic shifts and socioeconomic challenges.
The student–teacher ratio improved to 17:1 in 2023 from 20:1 in 2010, positioning among the top 20% in Alabama for low student–teacher ratios, serving a majority–minority student body.
Graduation rate was 87% in 2023, slightly below the state average of 88%, and has fluctuated around the mid–to–high 80s percentile in recent years.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,212 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Btm 50% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Murphy High School's student population of 1,212 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 74 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,212 students
Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Year Founded
2025
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Rankings
Murphy 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 Murphy High School is 0.40, 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
#994 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
5%
12%
Black
76%
31%
White
14%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
- S.S. Murphy High School, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a public high school operated by the Mobile County Public School System.
- History: In 1922, the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) began to plan for the construction of a new high school that would serve the entire county, as the facilities of Barton Academy were becoming overcrowded with soldiers returning from World War I. Prior to that time Barton Academy had been used as a public school. In 1923, the Mobile County School Board acquired 38 acres from the Carlen family for a site for their proposed high school complex, with room for a student body from 8th to 11th grade. The cornerstone of the school was laid on December 14, 1925, and on April 26, 1926, Mobile High School, later known as Murphy High School, opened. Construction costs totaled $850,000 for the first six buildings with an additional $200,000 spent on the gymnasium and the Olympic-size pool installed in 1930, leading to the local designation of the school as the "million-dollar high school".
- The school was first known as Mobile High School, but two years after its opening the school's name was changed to Murphy High School in honor of Samuel Silenus Murphy, MCPSS superintendent who directed public education in Mobile from 1900-1926. While still called Murphy High School, the yearbook was called the "Mobile High Annual." At the change of the name to Murphy High School, the workers did not want to change the name of the yearbook. They agreed to shorten the name to "Mohian," or a shortened version of Mobile High Annual.
- Murphy was selected in 1987 as a Presidential Model School by the U.S. Department of Education, and was placed in 1982 on the National Register of Historic Landmarks by the U.S. Department of the Interior. In 1994, Redbook Magazine named Murphy one of the top high schools in America and one of the biggest high schools in Alabama. In 1997, several Murphy students were featured in Seventeen Magazine.
- Academics: Murphy attracts students from all over Mobile County. It has extensive offering of courses, including 14 courses of Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate program. Students at Murphy consistently score above the national average on SAT and ACT tests. Earning over $6.5 million in scholarships annually, an average of 65% of Murphy's seniors attend four-year colleges, and approximately 20% attend two-year colleges, including vocational training. From 1990-2003, Murphy had 24 National Merit semi-finalists, and 28 commended students. Nine students earned National Achievement Recognition. Murphy also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
- School uniform: Murphy students are required to wear school uniforms.
- Feeder patterns: The following middle schools feed into Murphy: Burns, Calloway-Smith, Denton, Eanes, Hillsdale, Pillans, Scarborough, and Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murphy High School's ranking?
Murphy High School is ranked #994 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Murphy High School often compared to?
Murphy High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Baker High School, Wp Davidson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Murphy High School?
The graduation rate of Murphy High School is 87%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Murphy High School?
1,212 students attend Murphy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Murphy High School students are Black, 14% of students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Murphy High School?
Murphy High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Murphy High School offer ?
Murphy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Murphy High School part of?
Murphy High School is part of Mobile County School District.
In what neighborhood is Murphy High School located?
Murphy High School is located in the Carlen neighborhood of Mobile, AL.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
We took our son out of our district just to attend the IB program here. It was the worst thing we ever did to him. No need to bore you with details. Let me just summarize by saying this school is not a school but a big juvenile detention center, and the IB program is basically a pathetic attempt at beautification. The administration is so overwhelmed that they cannot be bothered with the needs of students who are NOT getting into trouble. There are a few good teachers, but not enough to make it worthwhile. Don't waste a single day of your child's youth, as we had. Avoid this school at all costs.
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