School overview
At a glance
Reported students
1,094
NCES CCD 2024–25, where reported
Teachers (FTE)
65
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
16.8:1
Calculated, not a class-size measure
Grades served
09–12
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Alabama high enrollment
83th percentile
Compared with 319 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
612
Shades Valley High School: 1,094 reported students.
State peer staffing position
45th percentile
16.8:1 reported; state peer median 17.2:1. Ratio is not class size.
Profile interpretation
What the reported data says about Shades Valley High School
Shades Valley High School is a public high school serving grades 09–12 in Irondale. It is one of 57 current school records connected to Jefferson County. NCES reports 1,094 students for 2024–25.
Among 319 high schools in Alabama with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 519 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 83th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 16.8:1, close to the Alabama median of 17.2:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The two largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Black (52.1%) and Hispanic or Latino (25.6%). English learners represent 28.4% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 7.1%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports access to Advanced Placement, computer science. The school reported 11 AP courses. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Turn data into a school visit
Questions worth asking Shades Valley High School
- 1How do the reported 16.8:1 student–teacher ratio and 65 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
- 3How are the school's 4 counselor FTE allocated across grades and student needs?
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Student context
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 28.4%
- Students with disabilities
- 7.1%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 54.7%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
People available to students
Support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 4
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White18.3%
- Hispanic25.6%
- Black52.1%
- Asian0.7%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.1%
- Multiracial3.2%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25 where reported, otherwise CRDC 2021–22. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Learning opportunities
Programs reported by the school
Advanced Placement
Offered
11 courses reported
Gifted and talented
Not reported as offered
Computer science
Offered
Program availability is from CRDC 2021–22 and can change. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Continue exploring
Other schools in Jefferson County
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Gardendale High School
High · Grades 09–12
1,076 reported students
Pinson Valley High School
High · Grades 09–12
1,025 reported students
Hueytown High School
High · Grades 09–12
1,200 reported students
Minor High School
High · Grades 09–12
978 reported students
McAdory High School
High · Grades 09–12
1,259 reported students
Mortimer Jordan High School
High · Grades 09–12
886 reported students