Alabama high schools continue to produce elite sports talent, with a focus on various sports including football, basketball, and track. A recent study ranks the top 25 high schools for athletes based on student feedback and athletic achievements.
Key points
Alabama high schools are known for elite sports talent.
Legends like Hank Aaron and Bo Jackson attended these schools.
A recent study ranks the top 25 high schools for athletes.
Ranking considers student feedback and athletic achievements.
Popular sports include football, basketball, and track.
Alabama high schools have long been a hotbed of elite sports talent, where legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Bo Jackson, Vonetta Flowers, and more have stepped onto fields, tracks, courts, and diamonds throughout history.
That trend continues today, from football and flag football to basketball, baseball, track and field, and beyond. And with each standout athlete, the high schools set the stage for the storylines that add to the state's grand reputation.
Which Alabama high schools are currently the best for athletes?
According to one study, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parentsâaccounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"âand data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Oak Mountain High School (Birmingham)
Total number of sports: 23
24. Hatton High School (Town Creek)
Total number of sports: 13
23. American Christian Academy (Tuscaloosa)
Total number of sports: 23
22. Randolph School (Huntsville)
Total number of sports: 16
Geraldine and Randolph High School compete during AHSAA Track and Field events in Lincoln, Alabama April 25, 2025. (Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC)
Geraldine and Randolph High School compete during AHSAA Track and Field events in Lincoln, Alabama April 25, 2025. (Dave Hyatt / Hyatt Media LLC)
21. Madison Academy
Total number of sports: 14
20. St. Paul's Episcopal School (Mobile)
Total number of sports: 26
19. Westminster Christian Academy (Huntsville)
Total number of sports: 18
Q&A
What are the top high schools for athletes in Alabama?
The top high schools for athletes in Alabama are ranked based on student feedback and athletic achievements, with a list of the top 25 available from a recent study.
How is the ranking of Alabama high schools for athletes determined?
The ranking is determined by survey feedback from students and parents, considering factors like reviews of athletics, state championships, student participation, and the number of sports offered.
Which famous athletes attended Alabama high schools?
Famous athletes like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Bo Jackson, and Vonetta Flowers are among the legends who attended Alabama high schools.
What sports are popular in Alabama high schools?
Popular sports in Alabama high schools include football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and flag football.
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18. Hewitt-Trussville High School
Total number of sports: 26
17. UMS-Wright Preparatory School (Mobile)
Total number of sports: 18
16. Helena High School
Total number of sports: 19
15. Mt. Brook High School
Total number of sports: 17
14. Ramsay High School (Birmingham)
Total number of sports: 22
13. The Montgomery Academy
Total number of sports: 18
12. Fort Payne High School
Total number of sports: 32
11. Central High School (Phenix City)
Total number of sports: 17
Central-Phenix City's Mariah Harrison (14) carries the ball against Montgomery Catholic during their flag football game on the Montgomery Catholic campus in Montgomery Ala., on Tuesday evening August 26, 2025.
Central-Phenix City's Mariah Harrison (14) carries the ball against Montgomery Catholic during their flag football game on the Montgomery Catholic campus in Montgomery Ala., on Tuesday evening August 26, 2025.
10. Mars Hill Bible School (Florence)
Total number of sports: 18
9. Saint James School (Montgomery)
Total number of sports: 23
8. Thompson High School (Alabaster)
Total number of sports: 13
7. Deshler High School (Tuscumbia)
Total number of sports: 15
6. McGill-Toolen Catholic High School (Mobile)
Total number of sports: 23
5. Hartselle High School
Total number of sports: 24
4. Auburn High School
Total number of sports: 26
3. Hoover High School
Total number of sports: 26
2. Saraland High School
Total number of sports: 24
1. Trinity Presbyterian School (Montgomery)
Total number of sports: 36
Trinity's Land Sharpless (11) throws the ball to first base at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, March 13, 2026. Trinity defeated Alabama Christian 5-0.
Trinity's Land Sharpless (11) throws the ball to first base at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, March 13, 2026. Trinity defeated Alabama Christian 5-0.
