Seven Mobile County Public Schools were recognized as the best schools in Alabama, according to GreatSchools.org.

Great Schools gave 14 middle schools across the state a perfect 10 rating in all three categories - student progress, test scores, and equity. Three of those are in Mobile County, including #1 ranked Clark-Shaw School of Math and Science, #2 ranked Phillips Preparatory School; and #14 ranked Denton Magnet School of Technology.

Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts was the highest-rated school for elementary students. And Hutchens Elementary, Council Traditional School, and Dauphin Island Elementary each received perfect 10 scores.

"It is such an honor and a privilege to be named as the No. 1 school in Alabama because my teachers work extremely hard to offer quality instruction to our students," said Clark-Shaw Principal Timesha Taylor-Jackson. "It also speaks volumes about the students. They are here because they love math and science and technology. We align students into programs they want to be in so they can achieve."

Old Shell Road Principal Dr. Linda Byrd echoed similar sentiments.

"This is probably the hardest-working faculty I've ever worked with in my career. They work hard to reach every student," Byrd said, adding that the school connects students' interest in the fine and performing arts with their core academic subjects and integrates technology. "We try everything to make sure every student succeeds. The students are amazing, hard-working, conscientious, and competitive."

Johnnie Williams, principal at Phillips Preparatory School, said the global focus at her school helps students apply what they're learning in their classrooms to their community and world.

"Our foreign languages and cultural activities allow our students to recognize not only their place in their neighborhood, but also their place in the world. We also stress community service," Williams said. "We offer a well-balanced curriculum here as we are hoping to create a well-balanced child."

Seven MCPSS schools ranked among state's best