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GreatSchools Rating

Phillips Academy

Public | PK-8 | 688 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted April 30, 2013

Phillips Academy is a great school compared tothe previos school my son attended within the same school system..... Im pleased to see how Phillip challenges him to think more and hes more attentive to his school work than before... I am so pleased he has been able to attend!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 23, 2012

I have attended phillips academy for a year and it has been a great experience.


Posted May 25, 2012

I attend this school. I am going into the 8th grade and have been here for 2 years. We have the BEST principal in the world. He cares so much about our school, and us, the students, growing. They always have new ideas and plans for us to learn and accel in life. Yes, there is a workload, but you need to organize it. The students that get good grades, like me, do their homework, pay attention in class, and don't mess around in class or anywhere else. They say it is too much work, but it isn't if you space your time out and organize yourself. This is one of the best schools in the nation, as I say anyways. We always strive our best, and we are becoming International Bacheloreate World School. At least we are getting the tital of it. We already incorporate the values and views of IB. We have teams and clubs that dominate the district. I recommend parents take their students to this school if you want them to be world thinkers and well rounded in subjects and so forth. I love this school so much, and just because it is in Birmingham City, doesn't make it bad. This is school is the best, and if you don't go to this school you are missing out on a great education! Thanks!


Posted January 25, 2012

My son is a pre-k student at Phillips and despite the workload being ridiculously heavy ,he loves it.I am pleased that he has learned so much but I fear that he hasn`t learned enough to pass their test into Kindergarten.I applaud the school for being advanced and challenging students to be the best of the best,but a 4 year old shouldn` t have homework and writing assignments.Great school but my advice to parents with kids entering Pre-K,get ready...you and your child will be burning the midnight oil doing assignments and homework.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 3, 2011

I am currently a student at Phillips Academy. It has a great curriculum and is an overall great school, but can be overbearing with the workload in the middle school classes because they are all Pre-AP.


Posted December 29, 2010

From sending my daughter to Phillips for 2.5 yrs, I believe that Phillips is likely the best of what BCS has to offer, but I don't believe that it is exceptional when compared to private options and out-of-district options. Weaknesses: -Large class sizes (20-22). -Lack of differentiation (on the upper end). -Insufficient time spent outdoors & having down time. Brain research clearly shows that trying to extend learning over significant lengths of time is counterproductive since intense focus for short periods of time is necessary for learning. -Quantity over quality with regards to student requirements. -High requirements during early years come at the risk that this school teaches students that school, & learning, are unpleasant. I can't help but think that if you've managed to teach a 5 year old how to read, but also that school sucks , then you've done more harm than good. -Parents need to be involved in the educational process and educated themselves, so that they can keep their kids on track & their kids' teachers on track! Strengths: Most of the teachers & staff are committed, hardworking, & caring. The students they have are bright, hardworking, & delightful kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 7, 2010

I am a teacher at Phillips Academy. I must say, I have thoroughly enjoyed my years here. I truly love what I do on a daily basis. I strive to help my students to become all they can possibly be. I admire the entire staff at my school because everyone truly care about what they do and how it affects our students. To be a part of John Herbert Phillips Academy simply says ' You want to be a part of the best school in Alabama' a school where success is not an option.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted February 8, 2010

Very enjoyable school to work at
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted October 27, 2009

Phillips Academy in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama is a very cultured school of excellent teachers who provide quality academic support, daily. Like the teachers, the principal is just awesome! Thumbs up! Quality verses quanity in all academic areas!


Posted April 9, 2009

I love this school! There is so much to do there. My kids are in middle school and I couldn't be happier!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 5, 2009

most terrible upnauticiots schoool
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 14, 2009

my kids love this school everyday they want to go to school and thats a first so i say best school in birmingham school system!!!!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 20, 2008

I have twins at Phillips Academy. This in my opinion the best K-8 school in the system. My children also attended Christian. The work load is heavy. However, if our children are to compete with the top county and private schools and qualify for top scholarships this is what is needed. The teachers, students, parents and administration have created a culture of excellence. This school is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 14, 2008

i attend phillips academy and it is great there. i always tell my friends how great my school is. i brag on how much we do and how great our teachers are. i am proud to say i go phillps academy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 30, 2008

My son attends Phillips Academy. This was the schools first year and it was a wonderful year for my son. The staff is amazing and i would recommend this school for any parent/student that wants a excell in learning.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2010.

53 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
93%

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 87% in 2010.

53 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
95%

2008

 
 
100%

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2010.

54 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
92%

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 87% in 2010.

54 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
92%

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2010.

63 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
90%

2008

 
 
92%

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2010.

63 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
87%

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2010.

101 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
100%

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2010.

100 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
99%

2008

 
 
98%

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2010.

92 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
99%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
98%

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2010.

92 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
96%

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2010.

101 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
97%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2010.

101 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
96%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students68%
Female86%
Male48%
Black68%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Race/Ethnicity Unknownn/a
Free and reduced-price lunch56%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities69%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English68%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant68%

Reading

All Students89%
Female96%
Male80%
Black89%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Race/Ethnicity Unknownn/a
Free and reduced-price lunch82%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities90%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English89%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant89%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students80%
Female83%
Male74%
Black79%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Race/Ethnicity Unknownn/a
Free and reduced-price lunch68%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities84%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English79%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant80%

Reading

All Students85%
Female86%
Male84%
Black85%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Race/Ethnicity Unknownn/a
Free and reduced-price lunch75%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities90%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English85%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant85%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students90%
Female94%
Male86%
Black90%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch88%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities90%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English90%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant90%

Reading

All Students95%
Female94%
Male96%
Black95%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch93%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities95%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English95%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant95%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students91%
Female91%
Male91%
Black91%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch91%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities91%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English91%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant91%

Reading

All Students99%
Female100%
Male98%
Black99%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch100%
Not economically disadvantaged98%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities99%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students99%
Female98%
Male100%
Black99%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch98%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities99%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English99%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant99%

Reading

All Students100%
Female100%
Male100%
Black100%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch100%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities100%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English100%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant100%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Math

All Students97%
Female100%
Male93%
Black97%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch93%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities98%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English97%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant97%

Reading

All Students92%
Female98%
Male84%
Black92%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch87%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities93%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English92%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant92%
Scale: % level 3 or 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math. The ARMT is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 77% in 2010.

62 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
92%

2008

 
 
79%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

The state average for Science was 69% in 2010.

91 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
90%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

All Students94%
Female91%
Male97%
Black93%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch90%
Not economically disadvantaged100%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities94%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English93%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant94%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Science

All Students96%
Female95%
Male97%
Black96%
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian/Alaskan Nativen/a
Whiten/a
Free and reduced-price lunch96%
Not economically disadvantaged95%
Special educationn/a
Students without disabilities96%
English language learnersn/a
Proficient in English96%
Migrantn/a
Non-migrant96%
Scale: % level 3 or level 4

About the tests


In 2009-2010 Alabama used the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA) to test students in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ASA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alabama. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficiency level 3.

The different student groups are identified by the Alabama Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Alabama's state standards

Source: Alabama Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 99% 35%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 1%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Hispanic N/A 4%
White 0% 59%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 51%N/A52%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 20N/A16
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2316 7th Ave North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Website: Click here
Phone: (205) 231-9500

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