Ira F Simmons Middle School ranked #169 in Alabama in 2023, improving from #215 in 2021 but declining from a peak rank of #68 in 2015, reflecting overall fluctuations in state ranking over the past decade.
Math proficiency was 51% in 2023, higher than the state average of 30%, though this marks a decline from 73% in 2017; reading proficiency was 65%, higher than the state average of 47%, and science proficiency was 58%, higher than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment increased from 811 students in 2017 to 865 in 2023, while free and reduced–price lunch eligibility rose from about 28% in 2017 to 46% in 2023, indicating growing socioeconomic needs; minority enrollment remains approximately 48%.
Serving grades 6–8, the school had 865 students and 63 teachers in 2023, with a student–teacher ratio of 14:1, ranking among the lowest ratios in Alabama middle schools.
The school maintained graduation rates consistently above the state average, achieving 95% in 2023 compared to the state's 88%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 865 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 48%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 51% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 58% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Birmingham area neighborhoods, with most students living within a 5-10 minute drive (avg. 1.8 mi., furthest 3.6 mi.).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ira F Simmons Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Ira F Simmons Middle School's student population of 865 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
865 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
School Rankings
Ira F Simmons Middle School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ira F Simmons Middle School is 0.63, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#169 out of 1275 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
13%
11%
Black
29%
32%
White
52%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ira F Simmons Middle School's ranking?
Ira F Simmons Middle School is ranked #169 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Ira F Simmons Middle School often compared to?
Ira F Simmons Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Robert F Bumpus Middle School, Berry Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
51% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Ira F Simmons Middle School?
865 students attend Ira F Simmons Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Ira F Simmons Middle School students are White, 29% of students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ira F Simmons Middle School?
Ira F Simmons Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Ira F Simmons Middle School offer ?
Ira F Simmons Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ira F Simmons Middle School part of?
Ira F Simmons Middle School is part of Hoover City School District.
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