Academic excellence continues to rise across Mobile County Public Schools. Four MCPSS schools were recognized today in Montgomery as being among Alabama’s Top 25: Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, Council Traditional School, Eichold-Mertz School of Math, Science and Technology, and Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts.
The State Board of Education also recognized Nan Gray Davis Elementary counselor Kimberly Jones as Alabama’s School Counselor of the Year and honored several schools for having Alabama School Counseling Programs of Distinction. Those schools include Craighead Elementary, Eichold-Mertz, North Mobile K-8, Pillans Middle, and B.C. Rain High.
Each year, the Alabama Department of Education announces its top-performing schools based on state report card data, including reading and math achievement, academic growth, attendance, and graduation rates.
“To have one school named to the Top 25 list would be a great achievement. To have four is truly remarkable,” said MCPSS Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill. “I am so proud of the teachers, leaders, and staff members at these schools who have worked tirelessly to ensure their students receive the best education possible. I also commend our students, who come to class prepared and ready to learn each and every day.”
Threadgill also congratulated the school counselors for their hard work and recognition.
Barton, Council, and Eichold-Mertz are the only schools in southwest Alabama to earn a 100 on the state report card. Old Shell Road scored a 99.
Located in Alabama’s first public school building in downtown Mobile, Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies opened in 2021. Barton Academy, which now serves students in grades 6–9, is the only middle or high school in the state to score a 100. The school’s focus includes international studies, foreign languages, the arts, entrepreneurship, and project-based learning.
“Our Barton Explorers have grown from ‘uncharted’ to ‘unmatched’ over the past five years,” said Barton Principal Dr. Amanda Jones. “In reopening Alabama's first public high school, we challenged ourselves to create a world-class education for students across Mobile County. It has been an incredible blessing. I am extremely proud of our teachers, staff, students, and community for their hard work and collective vision in making this success possible.”
Council is the only local school to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, which provides an inquiry-based, student-centered approach to education. Students take responsibility for their learning and focus on making a difference in their communities and beyond.
“Earning a 100 on our state report card is the result of intentional and consistent work by our dedicated teachers, motivated students, and committed staff, all supported by strong family and community partnerships,” said Council Principal Allison Streeter. “This achievement reflects a shared belief in excellence and affirms what we already know: When a school community works together with purpose, students thrive.”
Eichold-Mertz offers an advanced STEM program where students rotate weekly through science, math, and STEM labs. The school’s mission is to produce confident, curious learners who explore, experiment, and solve problems on their path to success.
“Our staff works collaboratively to create a supportive learning environment, maintain high expectations, and deliver strong, data-informed instruction that meets the needs of every learner,” said Eichold-Mertz Principal Azure Wells. “While this recognition is meaningful, we are guided by the belief that success is a journey, not a destination. It requires constant effort, vigilance, and reflection.”
Old Shell Road offers all students daily arts instruction, including visual arts, choir, dance, and theater. The school seeks to develop students with strong character who strive to do their best academically and artistically
“This achievement highlights Old Shell Road’s commitment to high academic standards and excellence, which is only possible through the dedication of our wonderful teachers, staff, parents, and talented students,” said Old Shell Road Principal Dr. Linda Byrd. “The infusion of the arts into all areas of study allows our students to make meaningful connections both academically and artistically. I am so proud of our school family. This success is truly the result of a collaborative effort by everyone associated with our phenomenal school.”