For the 2025 school year, there are 19 private schools serving 3,770 students in Shelby County, AL (there are 47 public schools, serving 34,817 public students). 10% of all K-12 students in Shelby County, AL are educated in private schools (compared to the AL state average of 10%).
The top ranked private schools in Shelby County, AL include Indian Springs School, Westminster School At Oak Mountain, and Essential Church School.
The average acceptance rate is 91%, which is higher than the Alabama private school average acceptance rate of 87%.
58% of private schools in Shelby County, AL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Baptist and Presbyterian).
Top Ranked Shelby County Private Schools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
190 Woodward Drive
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 988-3350
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 988-3350
Grades: 8-12
| 343 students
Essential Church School
(Christian)
4000 Eagle Point Corporate Dr
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 201-0327
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 201-0327
Grades: K-12
| 861 students
Evangel Classical Christian School![Evangel Classical Christian School Photo Evangel Classical Christian School Photo]()

Special Program Emphasis (Presbyterian)
423 Thompson Rd
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 216-0149
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 216-0149
Grades: PK-12
| 277 students
5781 Roy Dr
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 685-8450
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 685-8450
Grades: NS-12
| 73 students
6 Abbott Square
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 437-9343
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 437-9343
Grades: NS-8
| 182 students
Westminster School At Oak Mountain![Westminster School At Oak Mountain Photo - We are a K-12 Christ-centered, classical school in Birmingham, Alabama. Westminster School At Oak Mountain Photo - We are a K-12 Christ-centered, classical school in Birmingham, Alabama.]()

Special Program Emphasis (Presbyterian)
5080 Cahaba Valley Trace
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-9694
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-9694
Grades: K-12
| 596 students
Chase Learning Center And Daycare Inc.
Daycare / Preschool
330 Canyon Park Dr
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 620-1616
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 620-1616
Grades: PK-K
| 56 students
The Church At Brookhills Early
Daycare / Preschool (Baptist)
3145 Brook Highland Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 980-3053
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 980-3053
Grades: PK-K
| 156 students
163 Park Pl
Harpersville, AL 35078
(205) 672-7326
Harpersville, AL 35078
(205) 672-7326
Grades: PK-12
| 224 students
Cornerstone Christian School
(Baptist)
24975 Highway 25
Columbiana, AL 35051
(205) 669-7777
Columbiana, AL 35051
(205) 669-7777
Grades: PK-12
| 174 students
The Day Program
Special Education School
117 Plaza Circle
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 664-1600
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 664-1600
Grades: 7-11
| 32 students
First Baptist Church Of Alabaster
Daycare / Preschool (Baptist)
903 3rd Ave Nw
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 663-5942
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 663-5942
Grades: PK-K
| 122 students
Haven Christian Academy
(Baptist)
9444 Highway 22
Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 668-0973
Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 668-0973
Grades: K-6
| 22 students
The Hillsboro School
Montessori School
73 Elvira Rd
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 864-7330
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 864-7330
Grades: PK-9
| 27 students
5509 Timber Hill Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-8709
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-8709
Grades: PK-8
| 144 students
5510 Double Oak Lane
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-5963
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-5963
Grades: PK-8
| 242 students
Primrose School At Meadowbrook
Daycare / Preschool
4855 Meadow Brook Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-3020
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-3020
Grades: PK-K
| 25 students
Primrose School Of Riverwoods
Daycare / Preschool
501 Riverwoods Ct
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 685-1905
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 685-1905
Grades: PK-K
| 117 students
Westwood Baptist Weekday Edu Ministry
Daycare / Preschool (Baptist)
209 Cloverdale Dr
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 663-2422
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 663-2422
Grades: PK-K
| 97 students
Shelby County Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Calera Christian School (Closed 2006)
Montessori School (Baptist)
1725 22nd Avenue
Calera, AL 35040
(205) 668-2521
Calera, AL 35040
(205) 668-2521
Grades: 5-8
| 7 students
9178 Highway 22
Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 668-2299
Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 668-2299
Grades: PK-12
| 215 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Shelby County, AL?
The top ranked private schools in Shelby County, AL include Indian Springs School, Westminster School At Oak Mountain, and Essential Church School.
How many private schools are located in Shelby County?
19 private schools are located in Shelby County.
How diverse are private schools in Shelby County?
Shelby County private schools are approximately 13% minority students, which is lower than the Alabama private school average of 24%.
What percentage of students in Shelby County go to private school?
10% of all K-12 students in Shelby County are educated in private schools (compared to the AL state average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Shelby County?
58% of private schools in Shelby County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Baptist and Presbyterian).
Which private schools in Shelby County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Shelby County include: Coosa Valley Academy vs. Cornerstone Christian School, Cornerstone Christian School vs. Coosa Valley Academy, Gospel Light Baptist Academy vs. Primrose School Of Riverwoods
Recent Articles

June 09, 2025
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.

June 09, 2025
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the StigmaFinding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.

June 09, 2025
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed EducatorsNavigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.