Hillcrest High School

Hillcrest High School is a big secondary school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, run under Tuscaloosa County. The school educates 1,434 students in grades 9 through 12. Compared to the state average of about 682 students per school, that is 110% larger than typical.

Across the 35 schools in Tuscaloosa County (19,278 students total), Hillcrest High School accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

Looking at the student body, Hillcrest High School records that 57% of the student body identifies as Black. Other groups include 33% White, 6% Hispanic, 2% multiracial. By comparison, Tuscaloosa County as a whole is about 31% Black, so the school skews noticeably more Black than its surroundings.

Looking at school resources, The school reports having 79 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 18.1:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 17.2:1, putting Hillcrest High School higher than the state norm the norm. Around 50% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a number frequently used as a low-income enrollment indicator.

After controlling for student poverty, Hillcrest High School is in the bottom 10% of Alabama public schools. The BeatsExpectations model predicts schools with this FRL share to land around 47.6%; Hillcrest High School posts 18.2%, -29.4 points below that line.

In the surrounding community, census data for Tuscaloosa County shows the typical household earns roughly $66,231 per year, 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 11%. Hillcrest High School is one of 58 public schools in Tuscaloosa County (combined enrollment of about 30,508 students).

The closest other public school is Hillcrest Middle School, roughly 0.2 miles away. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts Hillcrest High School at 8th of 8; the average score across the group is 34.7%.

Hillcrest High School operates from a bedroom-community location.

Trend over the last 7 years. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Hillcrest High School has grew 5%, going from 1,371 students in 2018 to 1,434 in 2025. White enrollment moved from 50% to 33% across the same window.

On the community side, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around school events, parent volunteer needs, and clubs. The community welcomes input from current and former families.