Fourth grade teacher Candice Grobe readies her classroom Thursday afternoon at West Elementary for next week’s first day of school. Cullman City Schools has been ranked 10th out of 138 systems in Alabama, according to an analysis compiled by Niche.

Cullman City School system is ranked 10th out of 138 systems in Alabama, according to an analysis compiled by Niche.

Niche ranks secondary schools, colleges, companies, and places to live based on a variety of statistics and reviews.

The 2019 Best School Districts rankings in Alabama is based on what Niche labeled as a rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more.

Niche wrote: “Cullman City Schools is a highly rated, public school district located in Cullman.. It has 3,130 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. According to state test scores, 67 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 60 percent in reading.”

“It is an honor to be recognized in the top ten of school districts in Alabama. As we continue to focus on improving the educational opportunities for all of our students, this ranking acknowledges the tremendous efforts given by our staff and students. It also speaks to the support of our parents and community members and their desire to provide resources for a top-tier school system,” said Cullman Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson.

The high ranking also was recognized by Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer as an important factor in the community’s growth and appeal for job expansions and new businesses.

“The education system is key to our workforce,” Greer said. “What you offer in education and how successful you are in providing a meaningful education is high on the factors that are examined by the executive who look to invest in your community. Relocating families want to know about the quality of education you offer right away.”

Greer said workforce development is a growing issue across the state, making the quality education even more important to the future of the economy.

“The city schools have been an asset for us and we have good county schools across the area. Combine that with the strength of Wallace State and we have an advantage moving forward,” Greer said.

Cullman was graded in the following: Academics, A-; Teachers, A; Clubs & Activities, A+; Administration, A+; Food, A+; Diversity, B-; College Prep, A; Health & Safety, A+; Sports, B+; Resources & Facilities, A+

Other school districts in the Top 10 included:

1. Mountain Brook

2. Madison City Schools

3. Homewood City Schools

4. Hoover City Schools

5. Vestavia Hills City Schools

6. Auburn City Schools

7. Muscle Shoals City Schools

8. Hartselle City Schools

9. Florence City Schools