For the 2025-26 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 86%.
58% of private schools in Shelby County, AL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Baptist and Presbyterian).
Top Ranked Shelby County Private Schools (2025-26)
School
Location
Quick Facts
190 Woodward Drive
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 988-3350
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 988-3350
Gr: 8-12 | 343 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 20 Tuition listed
Essential Church School
(Christian)
4000 Eagle Point Corporate Dr
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 201-0327
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 201-0327
Gr: 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
Gr: PK-12 | 277 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
5781 Roy Dr
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 685-8450
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 685-8450
Gr: NS-12 | 73 students Extracurrculars: 8
6 Abbott Square
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 437-9343
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 437-9343
Gr: NS-8 | 182 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 1 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
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
Gr: K-12 | 596 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 15 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Chase Learning Center And Daycare Inc.
Daycare / Preschool
330 Canyon Park Dr
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 620-1616
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 620-1616
Gr: 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
Gr: PK-K | 156 students
163 Park Pl
Harpersville, AL 35078
(205) 672-7326
Harpersville, AL 35078
(205) 672-7326
Gr: PK-12 | 224 students Avg. class size: 20 students
Cornerstone Christian School
(Baptist)
24975 Highway 25
Columbiana, AL 35051
(205) 669-7777
Columbiana, AL 35051
(205) 669-7777
Gr: PK-12 | 174 students Avg. class size: 14 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
The Day Program
Special Education School
117 Plaza Circle
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 664-1600
Alabaster, AL 35007
(205) 664-1600
Gr: 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
Gr: PK-K | 122 students
Haven Christian Academy
(Baptist)
9444 Highway 22
Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 668-0973
Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 668-0973
Gr: K-6 | 22 students
The Hillsboro School
Montessori School
73 Elvira Rd
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 864-7330
Helena, AL 35080
(205) 864-7330
Gr: PK-9 | 27 students
5509 Timber Hill Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-8709
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-8709
Gr: PK-8 | 144 students Acceptance rate listed
5510 Double Oak Lane
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-5963
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-5963
Gr: PK-8 | 242 students Avg. class size: 19 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
Primrose School At Meadowbrook
Daycare / Preschool
4855 Meadow Brook Rd
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-3020
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-3020
Gr: 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
Gr: 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
Gr: PK-K | 97 students
Shelby County Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Calera Christian School (Closed 2006)
Montessori School (Baptist)
1725 22nd Avenue
Calera, AL 35040
(205) 668-2521
Calera, AL 35040
(205) 668-2521
Gr: 5-8 | 7 students
9178 Highway 22
Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 668-2299
Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 668-2299
Gr: 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 25%.
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

Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.

A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.

The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
Explore the A to Z of private schools in 2025—from admissions to tuition—offering parents and educators clear insights into today’s options.