Lottery Drawing Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Central Office & Facebook Live

 

Who Can Participate?

Your child must be 4 years old on or before September 2, 2026.

You must live in the Bessemer City Schools zone.

 

Important Registration Info:

• Pre-registration deadline: March 12, 2026

• Children pre-registered by this date will be included in the initial lottery drawing.

• Children pre-registered after the deadline will be automatically added to the waitlist.
  
  Register Online: First Class PreK
  
  Drawing Result
  Acceptance into a First Class Pre-K program is strictly through random selection drawing.  Presence at the drawing is not required.  Emails to pending and waitlist students will go out from the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) on April 16 -18, 2026.  Beginning April 19, 2026, parents may accept the student's offered enrollment.  The student will receive a class assignment after the parent has accepted the offered position. 
  
  * Note: Lottery Selection - Students living in the Bessemer City School Zone will be entered first.   

 

Bessemer City Middle School transformed into a hub of literacy and celebration Feb. 19 as families gathered for its literacy night, dubbed “Nacho Average Lit Night.” The evening event, held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the middle school campus, aimed to foster a love for reading while providing families with essential academic resources. Attendees received information regarding the Alabama Literacy Act and participated in "make and take" activities designed to support student learning at home.

The atmosphere was festive, featuring performances by the school’s band and choir. In addition to teacher presentations and student awards, the school provided snacks including nachos and popcorn. Every student in attendance also had the opportunity to take home free books through a dedicated giveaway. “Your presence, participation, and partnership make all the difference in our scholars’ success,” school officials said in a statement following the event. “When families and schools work together, there’s nothing our students can’t achieve.”

The event concluded with raffles and Valentine’s Day-themed treats, highlighting the school’s commitment to community engagement. Administrators noted that the high turnout underscored the community’s dedication to making literacy a priority for the "Purple Tigers" of Bessemer.

 

 

Pre‑K Lottery Registration Opens January 15th! Bessemer City Schools families — it’s almost time!

Pre‑register online for the 2026–2027 Alabama First Class Pre‑K Program at: https://prek.alaceed.alabama.gov 

Be sure to select the 2026–2027 school year when applying.

What You’ll Need: 
• A copy of your child’s birth certificate 
• Proof of residence within Bessemer City Schools zones

Eligibility: 
• Child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026 
• No registration fees 
• Must be zoned for Bessemer City Schools

Don’t miss your chance — the lottery opens January 15th!

 

 

 

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.                     

 

BESSEMER, AL – Bessemer City High’s Purple Tigers will face off against the Helena Huskies in the AHSAA 1st-Round Playoffs on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Bessemer City High Tiger Stadium, located at 4950 Premiere Parkway, Bessemer, AL 35022.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Admission is $12, and parking is $5.  Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but fans are encouraged to buy in advance via GoFan.com for convenience and to ensure faster entry.

Please note the following stadium policies:

• No passes out for re-entry.

• A clear small bag policy is enforced.

• Umbrellas are permitted inside the Stadium.

• No Smoking or Vaping allowed on campus

• No outside food allowed inside the Stadium

• No weapons of any kind allowed on campus

• All attendees must purchase a ticket or present a valid coach’s card or media pass — no exceptions.

Come out and support your Bessemer City Purple Tigers as they compete in the 2025 AHSAA playoffs!