Birmingham City Schools Offers Choices for Scholars

By: Sherrel Stewart

Birmingham City Schools offers more than one path to success. Traditional academic programs are the foundation for learning, but the district also provides choices for scholars so they can choose their own paths.

Our specialty schools challenge and enrich scholars with advanced curricula and dedicated staff. These schools include Princeton Alternative School, EPIC School, Phillips Academy, W.J. Christian (6-8), and Ramsay High School.

BCS also offers the Virtual Academy of Learning a relatively new school that makes learning from home a reality for scholars from third grade through high school graduation. 

The Academies of Birmingham provide relevant course work, work-based learning opportunities, and internships in specialized fields of study, while Career & Technical Education programs offer practical learning in a variety of occupations.

Each high school in the school district offers academies. Every day, scholars build tiny houses, study engineering and architecture, finance, culinary arts, broadcasting, and much more.

BCS Early College allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their high school diploma. Early college is free and books and transportation in addition to support from a dedicated team focused on student success.

Lawson State Community College, Jefferson State Community College, and UAB are all part of the BCS Erly College Network. Students can graduate high school and also have up to 60 college credit hours.

The Virtual Academy, BCS Early College, Specialty Schools and Academies begin accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year in November 2025.

Visit bhamcityschools.org for more information.