Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) is celebrating a major milestone in academic performance as three of its elementary campuses have earned top spots in the latest U.S. News & World Report statewide rankings.
Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School leads the state, ranking #1 among all public elementary schools in Alabama. Joining Forest Avenue in the top 25 statewide are Bear Exploration Center, ranked #10, and MacMillan International Academy, ranked #12.
A Standard of Excellence
The U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluate public schools based on student performance on state-required standardized tests, graduation readiness, and academic context. Schools recognized at the top of the list demonstrate high proficiency in core subjects such as reading and mathematics, along with strong student growth metrics.
District leadership credited the achievement to the collective dedication of students, classroom teachers, school administrators, and supportive local families.
"We are incredibly proud of Forrest Avenue, Bear, and MacMillan for earning recognition among Alabama’s top elementary schools in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 rankings," Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd said. "This recognition reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and school leaders, and the support of our families. I want each of them to know that we see their commitment and celebrate this achievement with them."
District leaders emphasize that while the rankings are a proud achievement, the primary goal remains providing equitable, high-quality learning environments across every campus at MPS.
For parents interested in learning more about MPS magnet programs, application windows, and district attendance zones, detailed resources and school profiles are available on the district website at www.mps.k12.al.us.