Hillcrest High School

Summary:

Hillcrest High School is a public high school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, serving 1,356 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the Tuscaloosa County School District, which is ranked 90 out of 137 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Hillcrest High School stands out for its diverse student population, with a higher percentage of African American (56.56%) and Hispanic (4.5%) students compared to nearby schools. Academically, the school consistently outperforms the Tuscaloosa County average on state assessments, though it still lags behind the state average. However, Hillcrest has a significantly higher percentage of students (64.6%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a larger proportion of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. The school also has a higher student-teacher ratio (19:1) than nearby schools, which may impact the level of individual attention and support available to students.

While Hillcrest High School's performance is generally better than other Tuscaloosa County high schools, it falls behind the higher-performing Northridge High School, which is part of the Tuscaloosa City School District. Additionally, Hillcrest's racial composition has been shifting, with a decrease in the percentage of White students and an increase in the percentage of African American students. The school's subgroup performance also indicates potential achievement gaps that need to be addressed.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 300 Patriot Pkwy
       Tuscaloosa, AL  35405


(205) 342-2800

District: Tuscaloosa County

SchoolDigger Rank:
146th of 378 Alabama High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,119 Help


Feeder schools for Hillcrest High School:

Elementary:    Big Sandy Elementary
    Englewood Elementary School
    Maxwell Elementary School
    Taylorville Primary School
Middle:    Duncanville Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.4 Help
Number of students:  1,422

Racial breakdown:

African American:
57.3%
White:
34.5%
Hispanic:
5.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  64.1% Help


 See top rated Alabama high schools

 Compare Hillcrest High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Hillcrest High School ranks better than 61.4% of high schools in Alabama. It also ranks 3rd among 6 ranked high schools in the Tuscaloosa County School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 55.63. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Hillcrest High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (57.3%), White (34.5%), Hispanic (5.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 64.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Hillcrest High School is 18.4. 4 high schools in the Tuscaloosa County School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Hillcrest High School employs 77 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Hillcrest High School is $8,119, which is the lowest among 6 high schools in the Tuscaloosa County School District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Hillcrest High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Hillcrest High School 146th of 378 Alabama public high schools. (See Hillcrest High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Tuscaloosa County:

SchoolDigger ranks Tuscaloosa County 90th of 137 Alabama school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Hillcrest High School.

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Your rating for Hillcrest High School?

Rank History for Hillcrest High School

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Rank History for all students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 71.42 72nd 357 79.8%
2005 77.43 39th 359 89.1%
2006 63.80 110th 357 69.2%
2007 70.42 95th 358 73.5%
2008 71.92 57th 359 84.1%
2009 76.44 47th 357 86.8%
2010 79.22 35th 358 90.2%
2011 73.25 60th 360 83.3%
2012 65.01 114th 358 68.2%
2013 65.56 80th 358 77.7%
2014 61.72 119th 358 66.8%
2015 60.16 116th 353 67.1%
2016 64.60 103rd 351 70.7%
2017 64.11 101st 353 71.4%
2018 66.36 115th 356 67.7%
2019 73.13 94th 366 74.3%
2021 50.82 160th 371 56.9%
2022 59.95 115th 367 68.7%
2023 55.93 137th 371 63.1%
2024 55.63 146th 378 61.4%
See the entire list of Alabama High School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 40.55 51st 83 38.6%
2018 62.42 41st 160 74.4%
2019 48.23 74th 171 56.7%
2021 42.75 110th 196 43.9%
2022 99.63 3rd 169 98.2%
2023 72.50 34th 182 81.3%
2024 31.01 137th 198 30.8%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 40.53 185th 315 41.3%
2018 57.57 138th 349 60.5%
2019 55.23 154th 358 57.0%
2021 34.53 235th 361 34.9%
2022 63.06 103rd 361 71.5%
2023 44.09 179th 349 48.7%
2024 38.64 226th 375 39.7%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 75.65 69th 343 79.9%
2018 68.60 103rd 347 70.3%
2019 78.46 68th 354 80.8%
2021 66.06 101st 359 71.9%
2022 58.53 133rd 367 63.8%
2023 49.38 159th 358 55.6%
2024 49.33 161st 366 56.0%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 47.42 164th 339 51.6%
2018 61.50 133rd 350 62.0%
2019 61.37 136th 357 61.9%
2021 30.37 251st 366 31.4%
2022 57.95 123rd 366 66.4%
2023 58.89 115th 358 67.9%
2024 58.89 131st 368 64.4%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 58.78 50th 189 73.5%
2018 67.69 49th 223 78.0%
2019 77.05 32nd 224 85.7%
2021 49.62 83rd 228 63.6%
2022 63.72 46th 222 79.3%
2023 53.45 75th 224 66.5%
2024 57.93 65th 231 71.9%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 24.85 79th 103 23.3%
2021 64.21 27th 113 76.1%
2023 60.42 40th 122 67.2%
2024 30.00 90th 139 35.3%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for Native American students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 29.26 24th 40 40.0%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for White students at Hillcrest High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools AL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 69.11 57th 230 75.2%
2018 76.59 53rd 300 82.3%
2019 85.20 37th 313 88.2%
2021 66.06 82nd 319 74.3%
2022 79.11 57th 326 82.5%
2023 77.63 65th 317 79.5%
2024 71.66 72nd 325 77.8%
See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Alabama State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Hillcrest High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: Alabama State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1.8)
0%

20%

0%

20%

60%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, February 18, 2013

Open Quote This schools rankings has dropped from the top 80 something percent to just barely over 50%. I'm giving serious thought to taking my child out and putting in private school where their accountable to the parents instead of the dictatorship displayed by this school!Stop the bleeding and replace management! Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, February 15, 2013

Open Quote I have to agree with the previous post. I have tried to bring issues up to the principle only to be left feeling like i've wasted my time! Theres always an excuse and never a solution!Thet need to learn that these are our children and just possibly we may have something to say that could be right! In short untill changes are made in management at this school i don't see any changes being made for the better of the children. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, February 14, 2013

Open Quote Bad leadership! Principle puts band before education and excuses before results! Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Open Quote We have two children that we have recently moved into this school district(9th and 11th grade). I did extensive research before building a home in any of the school districts. So far, we are extremely happy with Hillcrest. I have found the kids very well-mannered and accepting. My kids have found friends and activities quite easily. The educators seem to care and there are a number of advanced courses to participate in. The athletics seem above average for high school teams and the show choir/theater department is outstanding. I highly recommend this school. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Open Quote We were very disappointed in the Hillcrest part of the county school district. The bus on our daughter's route reportedly didn't have enough room for all the students coming home. Sometimes the teachers who were coaches spent their class time on coaching and not teaching. They disclosed private information about one student in front of others, a violation of Federal law. Another teacher forced students to participate in a religious-based assignment. Not a problem unless you are not of that denomination or mind-set. The students were allowed too much control over the classroom, making it a terrible experience for my child who ended up hating it so much they dropped out, even though a very intelligent, well-mannered student. We would have chosen a private school if we had known. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Hillcrest High School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1993 556 196 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 754
1994 590 223 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 813
1995 705 228 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 937
1996 705 228 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 937
1997 782 261 5 3 0 n/a n/a 0 1051
1998 851 270 8 6 0 n/a n/a 0 1135
1999 827 295 6 2 1 n/a n/a 2 1133
2000 814 288 7 5 0 n/a n/a 0 1114
2001 829 308 8 6 0 n/a n/a 2 1153
2002 811 303 13 6 0 n/a n/a 0 1133
2003 811 303 13 6 0 n/a n/a 0 1133
2004 798 353 10 5 0 n/a n/a 3 1169
2005 803 347 11 2 0 n/a n/a 0 1163
2006 814 364 14 10 0 n/a n/a 5 1207
2007 811 386 15 9 0 n/a n/a 4 1225
2008 794 404 16 15 0 n/a n/a 0 1229
2009 748 450 18 10 0 n/a n/a 0 1226
2010 745 472 13 11 2 n/a n/a 9 1252
2011 704 502 12 11 1 0 3 0 1233
2012 707 530 15 8 2 2 7 0 1271
2013 725 549 13 15 3 0 5 0 1310
2014 721 575 12 16 3 1 6 0 1334
2015 682 571 19 28 3 3 6 0 1312
2016 689 556 19 35 3 2 6 0 1310
2017 683 601 17 38 0 2 11 0 1352
2018 683 626 18 35 0 1 8 0 1371
2019 660 632 18 44 0 0 8 0 1362
2020 596 660 19 48 1 1 6 0 1331
2021 552 683 22 50 1 1 5 0 1314
2022 515 711 23 56 2 2 5 0 1314
2023 494 767 22 61 1 1 10 0 1356
2024 491 815 23 72 0 0 21 0 1422

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Hillcrest High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1993 754 43.0 17.5 n/a
1994 813 46.0 17.7 n/a
1995 937 55.4 16.9 n/a
1996 937 55.4 16.9 n/a
1997 1051 58.8 17.9 16.9
1998 1135 63.5 17.9 14.4
1999 1133 65.0 17.4 19.5
2000 1114 70.0 15.9 24.6
2001 1153 71.0 16.2 27.5
2002 1133 67.5 16.8 23
2003 1133 67.5 16.8 23
2004 1169 67.0 17.4 29.8
2005 1163 59.5 19.5 29.3
2006 1207 64.0 18.8 34
2007 1225 68.5 17.9 30.9
2008 1229 71.3 17.2 28.5
2009 1226 69.1 17.6 33.8
2010 1252 68.0 18.4 36.2
2011 1233 71.0 17.3 38.3
2012 1271 71.0 17.9 39
2013 1310 75.3 17.3 42.7
2014 1334 73.3 18.1 42.4
2015 1312 73.0 17.9 39.7
2016 1310 73.0 17.9 36.7
2017 1352 73.5 18.3 38.7
2018 1371 76.0 18.0 43.5
2019 1362 76.0 17.9 41.3
2020 1331 77.0 17.2 48.2
2021 1314 72.0 18.2 50.6
2022 1314 70.0 18.7 39.6
2023 1356 71.0 19.0 64.6
2024 1422 77.0 18.4 64.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Hillcrest High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1993 754 43.0 17.5 n/a
1994 813 46.0 17.7 n/a
1995 937 55.4 16.9 n/a
1996 937 55.4 16.9 n/a
1997 1051 58.8 17.9 16.9
1998 1135 63.5 17.9 14.4
1999 1133 65.0 17.4 19.5
2000 1114 70.0 15.9 24.6
2001 1153 71.0 16.2 27.5
2002 1133 67.5 16.8 23
2003 1133 67.5 16.8 23
2004 1169 67.0 17.4 29.8
2005 1163 59.5 19.5 29.3
2006 1207 64.0 18.8 34
2007 1225 68.5 17.9 30.9
2008 1229 71.3 17.2 28.5
2009 1226 69.1 17.6 33.8
2010 1252 68.0 18.4 36.2
2011 1233 71.0 17.3 38.3
2012 1271 71.0 17.9 39
2013 1310 75.3 17.3 42.7
2014 1334 73.3 18.1 42.4
2015 1312 73.0 17.9 39.7
2016 1310 73.0 17.9 36.7
2017 1352 73.5 18.3 38.7
2018 1371 76.0 18.0 43.5
2019 1362 76.0 17.9 41.3
2020 1331 77.0 17.2 48.2
2021 1314 72.0 18.2 50.6
2022 1314 70.0 18.7 39.6
2023 1356 71.0 19.0 64.6
2024 1422 77.0 18.4 64.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Hillcrest High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $806 (9.9%) $7,290 (89.8%) $8,119

Data source: Alabama Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Hillcrest High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 94th of 366 High schoolsRanks 137th of 371 High schools
 11.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Mathematics (Hillcrest High School)4920
 29%
   End of Course Mathematics (Tuscaloosa County)44.818.3
 26.6%
   End of Course Mathematics (Alabama)42.523.6
 19%
End of Course Science (Hillcrest High School)49.732.3
 17.4%
   End of Course Science (Tuscaloosa County)42.229.2
 12.9%
   End of Course Science (Alabama)42.631.7
 10.9%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students13621356
 0.4%
African American632767
 21.4%
American Indian01
Asian1822
 22.2%
Hispanic4461
 38.6%
Pacific Islander01
White660494
 25.2%
Two or More Races810
 25%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients41.3%64.6%
 23.3%


Schools Near Hillcrest High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcrest High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,422 students attended Hillcrest High School.

Students at Hillcrest High School are 57% African American, 35% White, 5% Hispanic, 2% Asian, 1% Two or more races.

Hillcrest High School ranks 146th of 378 Alabama high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Hillcrest High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Big Sandy Elementary
Elementary : Englewood Elementary School
Elementary : Maxwell Elementary School
Elementary : Taylorville Primary School
Middle : Duncanville Middle School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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