Primary + Secondary Education

Madison County’s three major school districts, Madison County Schools, Huntsville City Schools, and Madison City Schools, collectively serve over 56,000 students across dozens of campuses. Award-winning teachers, top-performing schools, and above-average test scores are just a few of the commonalities among these districts, as well as their commitment to helping older students succeed in post-secondary education through opportunities such as Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses. While 90% of students in the area attend a public school, Madison County is also home to more than 30 private institutions, some of which are ranked among the best in the state of Alabama.

With schools across the county in Gurley, Harvest, Hazel Green, Meridianville, Monrovia, New Hope, New Market, Owens Cross Roads, Toney, and Walnut Grove, including specialized campuses like Virtual Academy and the Career Technical Center, Madison County School System (MCSS) strives to meet the needs of every student. For the 2024-25 school year, MCSS celebrated a 95.6% graduation rate, embracing its mission of preparing graduates for success in a globally competitive world.

To accommodate an ever-growing student body, construction is underway at Sparkman Intermediate School – the first new MCSS campus in 10 years. The new school is expected to open during the 2026-27 school year with approximately 800 students.

Comprising 45 schools, Huntsville City Schools (HCS) has long been recognized for its dedication to excellence and innovation. Since 2013, HCS has enjoyed an all-digital learning environment; the district provides individual laptops or tablets to students, ensuring that technology is a key component of their education and preparing them for a digital world. In May of 2024, HCS leaders launched a 10-year, $600 million capital plan that includes everything from athletic upgrades, cafeteria expansions, and classroom additions to brand-new constructions. In the summer of 2025, HCS unveiled a new Central Office and the Huntsville Center for Technology, which aims to give students hands-on experience in various trades such as cosmetology, culinary arts, and welding –
all under one roof.

The fastest-growing school system in the state, Madison City Schools is now Alabama’s 12th-largest school district, with enrollment steadily growing about 300-400 students per year. In its 2025 list, Niche ranked Madison City Schools as the second-best school district in Alabama. Recent accomplishments include an impressive 96% graduation rate for the 2024-25 school year and an overall grade of 95 out of 100 from the Alabama State Department of Education, one of the highest state-wide. The school system boasts a nationally recognized Fine Arts program, 34 Advanced Placement courses, over 100 Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, and a number of programs to support new, military, and special needs students.