About

Alexander City Schools has a long tradition of public education and community support in Alexander City, Alabama. The community’s educational roots date to 1879, when local citizens raised funds to establish a school, making public education part of Alexander City’s story from the community’s earliest years (https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/alexander-city/).

Over the decades, the school system grew alongside Alexander City. The development of local industry, the growth of the community, and the construction of new schools expanded educational opportunities for generations of students. Benjamin Russell High School was established in 1950, becoming an important part of both the educational and civic identity of Alexander City (https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/alexander-city/).

The district has continued to evolve as the needs of its students and community have changed. That history entered another significant chapter with major facility investments and the restructuring of schools for the 2026–2027 school year, including the opening of the new Nathaniel H. Stephens Intermediate School and William L. Radney Junior High School, along with the new Benjamin Russell High School facility (https://www.alexcityschools.net/). 

Today, Alexander City Schools serves students from the beginning of their educational journey through graduation at Jim Pearson Elementary School, Nathaniel H. Stephens Intermediate School, William L. Radney Junior High School, and Benjamin Russell High School. The district currently reports approximately 2,600 students and 200 classroom teachers (https://www.alexcityschools.net/). 

Throughout its history, Alexander City Schools has reflected a strong connection between its schools and the community they serve. Families, educators, businesses, civic organizations, and community partners have played important roles in supporting educational opportunities for Alexander City students. That partnership remains central to the district as it prepares students for college, careers, citizenship, and life beyond the classroom.

The mission of Alexander City Schools is to “inspire hope and create pathways for student and community success.” The district pursues that mission through rigorous instruction, innovation, high expectations, family and community engagement, and opportunities designed to help every student grow and succeed(https://www.alexcityschools.net/). 

From a community-supported school established in 1879 to a modern school system serving students across four campuses, Alexander City Schools represents more than a century of investment in children and the future of Alexander City. While buildings, programs, and educational practices have changed across generations, the enduring purpose remains the same: providing students with opportunities to learn, grow, achieve, and prepare for their future.

It’s always a great day to be a Wildcat!

Alexander City Schools (ACS) is a public school district serving approximately 2,619 students in Alexander City, Alabama. With 200 classroom teachers and a 1:1 student-to-device ratio, the district provides students with a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare them for success in school, college, careers, and life.

The district serves students across four campuses: Jim Pearson Elementary School, Nathaniel H. Stephens Intermediate School, William L. Radney Junior High School, and Benjamin Russell High School. From the foundational years of elementary education through graduation, Alexander City Schools emphasizes academic achievement, personal growth, leadership, career preparation, and opportunities for students to discover and develop their individual interests and abilities.

The mission of Alexander City Schools is to “inspire hope and create pathways for student and community success.” The district works to accomplish this mission by providing an educational environment characterized by rigor, innovation, and high expectations for all students.

A significant component of the district's educational program is the variety of opportunities available to students at Benjamin Russell High School. BRHS serves more than 800 students and offers Advanced Placement courses, dual-enrollment opportunities, Career Technical Education, fine arts, athletics, clubs, and other extracurricular and co-curricular activities. The school reports approximately 45 AP and dual-enrollment course opportunities and more than 35 activities, clubs, and sports.

Career Technical Education (CTE) is an important part of preparing Alexander City students for their futures. Students have opportunities to participate in career-focused coursework and hands-on learning in areas such as Agriscience, Business and Marketing, Computer Science and Information Technology, Education and Training, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing, and Navy JROTC, along with cooperative education opportunities.

Individual CTE courses provide students with practical experiences in areas including welding, horticulture, industrial maintenance, robotics, digital electronics, culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, business software, health science, CNA preparation, education, advertising and sales, and Naval Science. These programs are designed to connect classroom learning with postsecondary education and real-world career opportunities while developing workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and responsibility.

Career exploration also begins before high school. At William L. Radney Junior High School, students have access to introductory Career Technical Education opportunities, including Exploring Business Management and Computer Science, helping younger students begin connecting their interests and abilities with future educational and career pathways.

Alexander City Schools also recognizes that educating students is a partnership between the school, family, and community. Family and community engagement, parent education and communication, community partnerships, and opportunities for families to participate in the educational process are important components of the district's approach to student success.

That community partnership is strengthened by the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation (ACSEF), which works with businesses, organizations, and community supporters to provide additional resources and opportunities for students and educators. The partnership between the school system and the greater Alexander City community helps extend learning beyond the classroom and demonstrates the community's continued investment in its schools and young people.

Alexander City Schools combines a longstanding tradition of public education with an increasing emphasis on innovation, technology, college and career readiness, workforce development, family engagement, and community partnership. Whether a student's future includes a four-year university, community college, technical training, military service, or direct entry into the workforce, the district seeks to provide pathways that allow students to identify their strengths, explore opportunities, and graduate prepared for their next step.

Through the collective efforts of students, educators, families, and community partners, Alexander City Schools continues its commitment to building strong schools and a stronger community while creating opportunities for every student to learn, grow, achieve, and prepare for a successful future.

It’s always a great day to be a Wildcat!