The West Alabama area is known as the "Capstone of Education" in Alabama. Within our community there exists a nationally-renowned teaching and research university; a liberal arts college built on tradition and quality; two community colleges meeting area needs in lifelong learning and training requirements for business and industry; and progressive quality public and private schools. 

From Pre-K to Ph.D, education is big business in West Alabama.  But much more importantly – education is a top priority among the citizens and business leaders.  When parents send their children off to school in Tuscaloosa County, they feel good about it. And that holds true whether the child is leaving home for pre-kindergarten or leaving home for college--or anywhere in between.  

Tuscaloosa County is served by two public school systems: the Tuscaloosa City School System and the Tuscaloosa County School System. 

The Tuscaloosa City School System provides instruction to more than 10,000 Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade students throughout metropolitan Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Twenty-four schools comprise the district, including 13 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 3 high schools and two campuses dedicated to specialty education: one for students with special needs and those receiving alternative education, and a career technical facility for grades 9 – 12. More than 1,300 dedicated employees serve the community by challenging students to a curriculum to exceed the expectations of every student in the 24 campuses from the first day of school to their graduation day.

The mission of the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education is to create and support a culture of high expectations for all students to achieve personal, academic, and career excellence. The system provides specialized programs with unique curricula such as the pre-kindergarten program for “at-risk” students, the American Studies Program, a College Board Advanced Placement Program, an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and a Workforce Development Academy in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz USI in addition to the standard and advanced curriculum.  The Tuscaloosa Elementary and Middle Magnet Schools are International Baccalaureate Candidate Schools.  They feature a rigorous academic program for students motivated to excel in the core curriculum through the integration of technology, foreign language, humanities, service learning and leadership.  Tuscaloosa Elementary Magnet School received national recognition as a ‘Blue Ribbon School’ in the fall of 2014.

Follow the links below for additional information about each school in the Tuscaloosa City School System:

• Alberta Elementary School
• Arcadia Elementary School
• Central Primary School
• Central High School
• Eastwood Middle School
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School
• Northington Elementary
• Northridge High School
• Oak Hill School
• Oakdale Primary School
• Paul W. Bryant High School
• Rock Quarry Elementary School
• Rock Quarry Middle School
• Skyland Elementary School
• South Elementary School
• South Middle School
• Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy
• Tuscaloosa Magnet Elementary
• Tuscaloosa Magnet Middle
• University Place Elementary School
• University Place Middle School
• Verner Elementary School
• Westlawn Middle School
• Woodland Forest Elementary School

Since 1871, the Tuscaloosa County School System has provided educational opportunities for students that currently numbers over 18,000.  The system’s facilities include 34 schools: two primary schools, seventeen elementary schools, eight middle schools, six high schools, and one center for special needs students.

The mission of the Tuscaloosa County School System is to educate and empower all students to be college and career ready graduates - prepared to make positive contributions to our global society. TCSS beliefs are:

• High expectations are necessary to achieve goals and expand opportunities for all.
• Education is a shared responsibility that positively impacts the quality of life.
• Equity, fairness, accountability, & fiscal responsibility are foundations of decision-making.
• Safe, well-equipped, student-centered schools support student success.
• Diversity and individual learning needs are respected, included, and valued.

The recent review from AdvanceED noted that the system makes effective analysis and use of data and is committed to curriculum alignment, revision, and works to recruit and develop a high quality professional staff.  Part of that commitment to the instructional program includes the school system’s active participation in the Alabama Reading Initiative as well as the State’s Math, Science and Technology initiative. In addition, the system received an A+ College Ready Grant, which is designed to increase Advanced Placement courses in key subject areas of math and English and to increase the number of students who earn qualifying scores on AP exams. Elementary schools are implementing the “Leader in Me” program to develop strong character traits, interpersonal skills, and for leadership development.

Follow the links below for additional information about each school in the Tuscaloosa County School System:

• Big Sandy Elementary School 
• Brookwood Elementary School
• Brookwood Middle School
• Brookwood High School
• Buhl Elementary School
• Collins Riverside Middle School
• Cottondale Elementary School
• Crestmont Elementary School
• Davis Emerson Middle
• Duncanville Middle School
• Echols Middle School
• Englewood Elementary
• Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School
• Flatwoods Elementary School
• Hillcrest High School
• Hillcrest Middle School
• Holt Elementary School
• Holt High School 
• Huntington Place Elementary
• Lake View Elementary School
• Matthews Elementary School
• Maxwell Elementary School
• Myrtlewood Elementary School
• Northport Elementary School
• Northside Middle School
• Northside High School
• Sipsey Valley High School
• Sipsey Valley Middle School
• Sprayberry Regional Education Center
• Taylorville Primary School
• Tuscaloosa County High School
• Vance Elementary School
• Walker Elementary School
• Westwood Elementary

Tuscaloosa County is the home of several innovative and successful private schools. Providing Pre-K through 12^th grade, combining religious education and academics and offering opportunities for strenuous college preparatory classes, the private schools in Tuscaloosa County offer viable options for students interested in attending a private school. 

Follow the links below for additional information about each of the private schools in Tuscaloosa County:

• American Christian Academy
• The Capitol School 
• Holy Spirit Catholic School
• North River Christian Academy 
• Tuscaloosa Christian School 
• Tuscaloosa Academy

Known as the “Capstone of Higher Education”, The University of Alabama is one of the nation’s premier institutions of higher learning and research. One of Tuscaloosa County’s greatest assets for economic and community development, The University of Alabama is a student-centered research university and academic community united in a commitment to enhance the quality of life for all Alabamians.

Founded in 1831 as Alabama’s flagship university, the University of Alabama continues to grow with enrollment reaching 36,155 in the fall of 2014.  The outstanding academic credentials of the freshman class clearly demonstrate that the university is improving in quality as it grows in size.  In addition to an outstanding core curriculum, the university offers extensive international study opportunities, internship programs and cooperative education placement.

Providing employment for 10,700 individuals, the capstone is the largest employer in Tuscaloosa County.  Dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service, The University provides a creative, nurturing campus environment where students can become the best individuals possible, can learn from the best and brightest faculty, and can make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world.

A student-centered research institution, the university is a place where both undergraduate and graduate students can work with faculty to solve problems. An example is the Center for Materials for Information Technology (MINT), where research carried out in cooperation with industrial partners prepares students for exciting careers.

The university’s outstanding student-athletes have earned Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships or National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships or both in baseball, basketball, football, golf, swimming, tennis, track and field, gymnastics, softball, and swimming.  

Rich in history, Stillman College is a four-year coeducational, liberal arts college. The stately 105-acre campus is located within walking distance of downtown Tuscaloosa.  The institution, which was established in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, has produced global leaders in diverse fields.

Stillman is noted for its Harte Honors College and its pre-professional programs in law and medicine, as well as its programs in business administration, biological sciences and teacher education. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1, and 92% of Stillman's faculty members hold terminal degrees in their field. Stillman students are highly capable, enthusiastic and passionate about both leadership and service.

A pristine campus, state-of-the-art facilities, guarantee-outcome programs, and professors and advisors who are personally committed to students’ success help make Stillman a top choice for high achievers seeking performance and value.

Shelton State Community College is a state-supported, comprehensive community college whose primary purpose is to provide accessible post-secondary education in the academic, technical and occupational fields.  It is one of Alabama’s largest and oldest two-year institutions and has an annual enrollment of more than 7,500.  Located in the $40 million Martin Campus complex south of Tuscaloosa, Shelton State also administers the C. A. Fredd Campus, which is designated as a Historical Black College. The college is proud to continue the mission of promoting educational access and opportunity for all students in a culturally diverse community.

Shelton offers Associates of Arts, Associates of Science, and Associates of Applied Science degrees in a wide variety of academic and technical subject areas.  In addition, they provide opportunities for an array of certificate courses, lifelong learning experiences, adult education programs, a variety of community and continuing education offerings, and training support for business and industry. 

Shelton State is also proud of its distinction as the Alabama Community College of the Fine Arts. The college is home to the Sandra Hall Ray Fine Arts Center, which houses its Fine Arts Division, Theatre Tuscaloosa and the Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame.  The college is also the site of the Center for Workforce Development, a public-private partnership of parties interested in building a skilled 21st century workforce.

Located in Fayette, Alabama, Bevill State Community College provides an ideal environment for learning and professional development. As a public, two-year, "open door" institution, Bevill State Community College is committed to providing comprehensive education and educational support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. As a member of the Alabama State system of community, junior, and technical colleges, Bevill State seeks to enhance intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development through a variety of means, by providing:

• Quality education, training and retraining for the workforce, including basic skills education, occupational, career technical, and pre-baccalaureate programs;
• Support for economic development through services to business and industry, both public and private.
• A variety of services and cultural activities that improve the quality of life in our communities.

Located in Livingston, Alabama, the University of West Alabama is a state-supported, coeducational institution of higher learning governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor. As a regional institution, the University’s foremost commitment is to meeting the educational needs of the State and particularly of the West Alabama area. Valuing a diverse student enrollment, though, it also welcomes students from throughout the United States and from other countries.
 
The primary purpose of the University is to provide opportunities for students to pursue a quality education through associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and education specialist degrees in liberal arts, natural sciences and mathematics, pre-professional programs, nursing, technology, business, and education. Importance is placed on providing opportunities within the curricula for the development of enhanced skills in critical thinking, communication, leadership, and computer literacy. The University also seeks to provide students opportunities for growth beyond the classroom through a wide range of extracurricular activities, programs, and services and through the maintenance of an environment of cultural and intellectual diversity. Through the total educational experience that it provides and through its encouragement of the free exchange of ideas among faculty, administration, and students, the University attempts to assist its students in developing the important qualities of independent thinking and respect for the ideas of others and in building firm foundations of personal integrity and character in order to realize their quests for a philosophy of life and for self-fulfillment.

Excellence in teaching and advising is paramount to the faculty, but the members are also committed to providing leadership and fostering positive growth throughout West Alabama through research and public service, with primary emphasis on that which meets the educational, social, cultural, and economic needs of the region.