Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet in Birmingham, AL ranked in the bottom 50% statewide, with its 2023 state ranking at #1258 showing a decline from #589 in 2010.
Math proficiency was 5%, reading proficiency was 5%, and science proficiency ranged 6–9%, all lower than the Alabama state averages of 30%, 47%, and approximately 38% respectively.
Enrollment declined from 916 students in 2013 to 764 in 2023, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased from 54% in 2003 to 86% in 2023, reflecting rising socioeconomic challenges.
The magnet school served grades 9–12 with 764 students and employed 36 teachers in 2023, resulting in a student–teacher ratio of 21:1.
Graduation rates remained below the state average, ranging from 75–79% between 2013 and 2023, compared to the state's consistent 88–91% during the same period.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 750 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in AL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet's student population of 750 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
750 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
1916
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence Is Our Only Option
School Rankings
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet 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 Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet is 0.29, 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
#1258 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
14%
12%
Black
83%
31%
White
2%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
84%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Colonel
- Woodlawn High School is a large magnet high school serving students in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama (USA) and is part of the Birmingham City Schools system.
- The mascot is the Colonels, and the school colors are green and gold. The school newspaper is "The Tattler".
- History: Woodlawn High School was established in 1916 after Woodlawn was annexed into Birmingham. The present building on 1st Avenue North, designed by architect Harry B. Wheelock, was completed in January 30, 1922.
- A large mural in the high school's auditorium was painted between 1934 and 1939 by Sidney van Sheck and Richard Blauvelt Coe for the Works Progress Administration. A campaign is underway to raise $190,000 for restoration of the mural.
- The "Warblers" are a men's chorus that started as a singing club at Woodlawn, active from 1929 to 1977. Most current Warblers members are alumni of the Woodlawn club. In 1956 the Woodlawn debate team, coached by Rose B. Johnson, won the inaugural Barkley Forum, a prestigious debate tournament at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Woodlawn's Junior R.O.T.C. program has been active since 1922 and has started the military careers of numerous officers in the U.S. Military.
- Under legendary multi-sport coach John Blane, Woodlawn's basketball team won state championships in 1927, 1937, 1943, and 1957 while the track team won state titles in 1932, 1944, 1945 and 1946. He coached Woodlawn against Phillips High School in the first game ever held at Legion Field in 1927.
- Notable alumni: Bobby Bowden (1948), football coach.
- Mike Hale (1969), Jefferson County sheriff.
- Oliver Robinson (1957), basketball player, state legislator.
- Bobby Humphrey, former Birmingham Steeldogs coach.
- Betsy Rogers, 2003 National Teacher of the Year.
- Paul Hemphill, author.
- Jim Carns, Alabama Legislature.
- Karlos Dansby, football player.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet's ranking?
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet is ranked #1258 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet often compared to?
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnetis often viewed alongside schools like We Putnam Middle Schoolmagnet, Huffman High Schoolmagnet by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet?
The graduation rate of Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet is 75-79%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet?
750 students attend Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet?
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet offer ?
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet part of?
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet is part of Birmingham City School District.
In what neighborhood is Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet located?
Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet is located in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Birmingham, AL. There are 1 other public schools located in Woodlawn.
School Reviews
Review Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet. 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.
