From kindergarten to a Ph.D., Madison County and Limestone County provide their students with unlimited education opportunities. From public schools to private colleges, education is important to the communities in North Alabama. Read on for more information about the school systems that serve Huntsville, Madison, Madison County and Limestone County.

Public School Districts

Huntsville City Schools
More than 22,000 children attend classes at 53 schools within the Huntsville City Schools. The district’s curriculum provides a strong foundation that requires all high school students to take four years of English language, mathematics, science and social studies. In 2007, 77 percent of students scored at or above the SAT national average scores, and 94 percent of graduates go on to post-secondary education opportunities. All Huntsville schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges.

Madison City Schools
Madison City Schools provide children living in the communities of Madison and Triana with a well-rounded education. The system, which was established in 1998, serves more than 8,400 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. High school students on average score higher on standardized tests and exceed the national average, and many graduates continue their education by enrolling in colleges and universities. Recent honors for the district include in 2008:

• National Character Education Promising Practice Award to Columbia Elementary School
• Ranked Top 2% of America's High Schools - by U.S. News & World Report
• Ranked Top 5% of America's High Schools - by Newsweek
• Scholar Students - National Merit, Achievement Awards, National Hispanic, Presidential Scholar Candidates Pictures
• Voted #1 Sports Program in Alabama - by Sports Illustrated
• Voted America's #1 Art Program - by Scholastic Art and Writing Assocation

Madison County Schools
More than 18,000 students are enrolled in the Madison County Schools system. As the county’s population continues to grow, Madison County Schools have expanded their curriculum to better serve the children of the community. Educators provide students with a strong learning foundation that assist them as they get older and become a part of their community. With one of the highest education levels per capital in the Southeast, a majority of residents have graduated college and went on to earn post-graduate degrees. There is no doubt that Madison County has more than its share of rocket scientists.

Limestone County Schools
Limestone County Schools receive much support from parents, educators and local businesses. The county’s dedication to its children is evident by their success. More than 8,600 students attend Limestone County Schools, and students consistently rank higher than the state and national averages on SAT and ACT exam scores. With access to computers and other modern technology in every classroom, students can take advantage of these quality learning tools. Students in grades 10-12 also have the opportunity to earn dual credit at Calhoun Community College.

Colleges & Universities

The University of Alabama in Huntsville
The Huntsville campus of The University of Alabama was founded in 1950 and offers 61 degree programs through five colleges – Business Administration, Liberal Arts, Engineering, Nursing, and Science. More than 7,400 students are currently enrolled at UAH, which has earned several honors from national publications including being named one of the “Best in the Southeast Universities for 2006” by Princeton Review.

Alabama A&M University
Alabama A&M University is located in Huntsville. This state university offers more than 20 accredited programs including degrees in Engineering, Education, Psychology and Consumer Sciences. More than 5,100 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Alabama A&M, which is ranked in the “Top 50 Colleges and Universities for African Americans" by Black Enterprise magazine and DayStar Research.

Calhoun Community College
Calhoun Community College is located in Decatur, Alabama, and is one of the largest two-year colleges in the state. More the 9,000 students participate in more than 100 degree and certificate programs available on campus as well as educational opportunities offered in partnership at Cummings Research Park and Redstone Arsenal. Many CCC graduates have continued their education by earning a four-year degree at a neighboring university. Popular programs include majors in Pre-engineering, Science, Mathematics and Nursing.

Oakwood University
Oakwood University was founded as “Oakwood Industrial School” by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1896. The institution has earned numerous accreditations from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Adventist Accrediting Association. Currently, Oakwood University has a population of more than 1,800 students who are working in several degree programs.