Experience Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is known as the "Capstone"

Tuscaloosa County is served by two public school systems, the Tuscaloosa City System and the Tuscaloosa County System.

The Tuscaloosa City School system is home to more than 10,000 students, from Pre-K to high school. The system's facilities include 22 schools: two primary, eleven elementary, six middle schools, three high schools and a unique secondary program for students with special needs, a program for career and technical education.

In 2008, students received more than $8 million in scholarships. In fact, students in the Tuscaloosa City Schools are consistently recognized by national scholar programs. Preparing students for college starts early: the Tuscaloosa City Schools system has historically supported Pre-K education, but a recent partnership with the City of Tuscaloosa and higher education has expanded the program to include almost 300 children.

The system provides specialized programs with unique curricula such as the Pre-Kindergarten program for "at-risk" students, the American Studies Program, a College Board Advanced Placement Program, and an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. These programs are offered in addition to the standard and advanced curriculum. In fall 2009, the system's academic magnet school will open its doors to a 1-5/6-8 population.

The collaborative efforts of parents, schools and community have created one of the most outstanding systems in the state. That collaboration has ensured for the 11th consecutive year, the system being awarded "What Parents Want Most" by the research firm, SchoolMatch.

Since 1871, the Tuscaloosa County School System has provided educational opportunities for students that currently number almost 18,000. The system's facilities include 32 schools: two primary school, sixteen elementary schools, eight middle schools, five high schools, and one center for special needs students.

The Tuscaloosa County School System's students are frequently recognized for their hard work and dedication. Approximately 33% of the graduates from our five high schools consistently obtain more than $7 million in scholarships and achieve distinction in colleges and universities throughout the country.

The system provides specialized programs with specific curricula such as the Sprayberry Regional Education Center, which serves two distinct bodies of students. In one section, highly trained teachers and therapists work with young people who have moderate to severe handicaps. In the other section, dedicated teachers work with gifted students who come to the TARGET program once a week to be challenged in special ways.

99% of the teachers in the Tuscaloosa County School System are highly qualified, as determined by the No Child Left Behind legislation. During the 2009 school year, four teachers achieved the teaching professions highest standard of becoming certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. National Board Certification is supported by the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education because they believe that quality teaching is the key to improved student achievement. The Tuscaloosa County School System has one of the highest total numbers of teachers in Alabama who have achieved National Board Certification as employees of the Tuscaloosa County School System with more than 50 teachers achieving this designation. Achieving National Board Certification demonstrates a true dedication to the profession of teaching and most importantly, dedication to students.

The Tuscaloosa County School System also has more All-State School Board Members than any other school district in the state of Alabama with 12 members inducted in a row. The system has also had ten state finalists and four inductees into the Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame as well as one state finalist for the Alabama State Teacher of the Year.

Both school systems receive strong and consistent support from the business community. Perhaps the flagship effort in this regard is the Adopt-A-School Program, a 24-year-old progeny of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. Approximately 80 businesses, industries and organizations, often singly, sometimes in pairs or trios, work with all individual schools in the County System and the City System. The program is managed at the Chamber with help from an all-volunteer Steering Committee.

The Chamber is also involved in other efforts to prepare young people for life after formal education. The CHOICES program involves volunteers from businesses going to eighth-grade classes for an interactive discussion of the importance of making good choices. The Forerunners Program is a leadership development program, patterned after the adult version, Leadership Tuscaloosa, which helps approximately 40 students each year learn about various aspects of their community.

Tuscaloosa County also has some innovative and successful private schools. Some are religious-based; some are college preparatory. They include Tuscaloosa Academy, The Capitol School, American Christian Academy and Holy Spirit Catholic School.

The Capitol School has a national and international reputation because of its multiple intelligence curriculum and outstanding faculty. It is one of only 10 internationally accredited schools in the Southeast, and has had students from nearly three-dozen countries enrolled.

Regardless of what high school they graduate from, those students who want a higher level of academic work are provided with some great options in their own hometown.

 HIGHER EDUCATION

Tuscaloosa County is known as the "Capstone of Education" in Alabama. The University of Alabama is one of the nation's premier institutions of higher learning and research. It is also one of Tuscaloosa County's greatest assets for economic and community development.

Founded in 1831 as Alabama's flagship university, the University of Alabama had a record-high enrollment of 27,052 students in fall 2008. The 2008 freshman class of 5,116 is the largest in University history; it includes 83 National Merit Scholars, ranking UA 11th in the nation among public universities. This, the most academically talented freshman class in UA history, includes 1,017 students with high school GPAs of above 4.0, and an average ACT score of 24.2.

The Honors College offers the best and brightest students on campus an array of enriched curricular opportunities. To be accepted into Honors College as entering freshmen, students must score in the 95th percentile or higher on a college admission test. Our 2008 freshman class included 1,065 students accepted into Honors College.

In addition to an outstanding core curriculum, the University offers extensive international study opportunities, internship programs and cooperative education placement. And the Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility helps prepare students to serve as effective, engaged and ethical citizens.

A student-centered research institution, the University is a place where both undergraduate and graduate students can work with faculty to solve problems. An example is the Center for Materials for Information Technology (MINT), where research carried out in cooperation with industrial partners prepares students for exciting careers.

The University's outstanding student-athletes have earned past Southeastern Conference championships or National Collegiate Athletic Association championships or both in baseball, basketball, football, golf, swimming, tennis, track and field, gymnastics, softball and swimming. When people hear the name "Crimson Tide" they rightfully associate it with the word "champion."

The capital campaign, "Our Students. Our Future." has already surpassed its $500 million goal. Within the capital campaign is a goal to raise $250 million for scholarships.

Crimson is the color that comes to mind for most people when they think of the University of Alabama. However, because of the University's outstanding reputation, crimson is no longer just a color. Crimson is excellence.

Shelton State Community College is a state-supported comprehensive community college whose primary purpose is to provide accessible postsecondary education in the academic, technical and occupational fields. It is one of Alabama's largest and oldest two-year institutions and has an annual enrollment of more than 7,500.

Located in the $40 million Martin Campus complex south of Tuscaloosa, Shelton State also administers the C. A. Fredd Campus, which is designated as a Historical Black College. The College is proud to continue the mission of promoting educational access and opportunity for all students in a culturally diverse community.

Shelton offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees in a wide variety of academic and technical subject areas. In addition, there is an array of certificate courses, lifelong learning experiences, adult education programs, a variety of community and continuing education offerings, and highly effective training support for business and industry.

Shelton State is also proud of its distinction as the Alabama Community College of the Fine Arts. Its mission is to provide accessible, inclusive educational and cultural opportunities for students and citizens of Alabama through quality instruction and innovative arts programming. The College is also home to the Sandra Hall Ray Fine Arts Center, which houses its Fine Arts Division, Theatre Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame.

The College is also the site of the Center for Workforce Development, a public-private partnership of all parties interested in building a skilled 21st century workforce. Through this partnership, the College provides instruction of basic skills along with customized training as identified by leaders and innovators in business and industry.

Rich in History, Stillman College, is a four-year coeducational, liberal arts college. Stillman's beautiful, 105-acre campus is located within walking distance of downtown Tuscaloosa. Noted for its stately magnolias, historic architecture and spacious, well-maintained grounds, the institution was established in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church.

With an annual enrollment of more than 1000 students, Stillman offers degrees and programs in a wide range of subject areas, including Business, Computer Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, Religion, International Studies, Music and Nursing.

The college also has pre-professional programs in engineering, law, the ministry, medicine, and social work. There are 60 full-time and part-time faculty members, and more than 85% of Stillman's full-time professors hold terminal degrees. The unusually low student-faculty ratio of 14:1 ensures that every student receives personal attention--a hallmark of the College's elite, private education.

Stillman offers a wide range of social, special interest and performing arts groups as well as some that address campus Christian life.