See Our Progress. Believe in Bessemer.

Bessemer City Schools is celebrating measurable growth and renewed momentum as the district earned its highest letter grade on the Alabama State Department of Education’s report card since its inception for the 2017-2018 school year. In just one year, the district’s overall score increased from a 68 (D) to a 75 (C), marking significant progress and reflecting the collective dedication of Bessemer’s students, educators, and community.

The improvement reflects the district’s steady commitment to student achievement, teacher support and community partnership – all key components of its motto to lead the way to a brighter future for its students.

“This growth is more than a letter on a report card. It’s evident that our students are learning, our teachers are leading and our community is believing,” said Michael Turner, superintendent.

For the past year, the district has partnered with state leaders in an intervention designed to improve academic outcomes and strengthen governance issues. The recent announcement shows that the district is heading in the right direction.

“This milestone belongs to everyone in the Bessemer City Schools’ family–from the classrooms to the boardroom,” said Terry Dawson, school board president. “It’s proof that when we focus on what matters most, our students, we all move forward together.”

Turner credits a growing belief across the district that meaningful progress is not only possible, but happening. 

“This growth represents more than academic gains; it’s the result of a shared belief that our students can achieve and our schools can thrive,” he said. “When our teachers feel supported, our families feel engaged, and our students feel believed in, great things happen. We’re proving that here in Bessemer every day. But we’re not satisfied — we’re committed to continuing this momentum and reaching even higher.”

The Alabama State Report Card evaluates multiple indicators, including academic achievement, academic growth, graduation rate, and college and career readiness. For more information and to view complete report card results, visit alabamaachieves.org.