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Andalusia City Schools has been named one of the top 25 school systems in Alabama, earning the 21st spot on Niche’s 2025 list of Best School Districts in the state.

The rankings evaluated 143 school systems across Alabama, based on a comprehensive analysis of four primary factors: academic performance, teacher quality, graduation rates, and overall student experience.

“It is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I share the exciting news: our district has been recognized on Niche’s 2025 Best School Districts in Alabama list,” Superintendent Dr. Daniel Shakespeare said. “This honor is a direct reflection of the unwavering dedication of our teachers, school leaders, support staff, students, and families. It affirms what we already know: excellence is not an accident, but the result of intentional effort, collaboration, and a shared belief in the power of public education.”

ACS received an overall grade of “A” from Niche for its three schools, which collectively serve 1,884 students.

This year’s rankings reflect changes in Niche’s evaluation methodology, which no longer includes SAT and ACT scores. The update aligns with national trends placing less emphasis on standardized tests in college admissions.

“We are especially proud that Niche’s rankings take into account not only academic performance, but also student and parent reviews, teacher quality, college readiness, and equity. This recognition highlights our commitment to creating safe, supportive, and high-performing schools where every student has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.

Niche’s rankings are based on millions of student and parent reviews, as well as publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education. Key metrics include academic outcomes, college readiness, teacher quality, and student-teacher ratios. Districts are also assessed on diversity, extracurricular opportunities, and student well-being.

“To our teachers and staff, thank you for showing up every day with passion, professionalism, and purpose. To our families, thank you for your partnership and trust. To our students, thank you for your resilience, your hard work, and your excellence,” Shakespeare said.

Andalusia City Schools is located at 1201 C.C. Baker Ave. in Andalusia. For more information call 334-222-3186.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on our mission: to provide every student with a world-class education in a caring, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment. This recognition fuels our momentum, but it will never define our ceiling,” Shakespeare said. “The best is yet to come. Go Bulldogs!”