The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is officially coming to Demopolis after a 28-3 vote of approval Thursday in the state Senate.
The high school will be open to students from throughout the state and will be a residential school like the Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering in Huntsville, Alabama School of Math & Science in Mobile, and Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham.
Gov. Kay Ivey, a firm supporter of ASHS, is expected to sign the legislation granting formal approval for the school in the next few weeks.
“The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is coming to Demopolis,” said Ivey. “Students from all over Alabama will soon benefit from an education at this specialty high school and then go on to bolster our healthcare workforce. The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is yet another way our state is leading the nation in innovative education solutions.”
Ivey commended several legislators and also the Demopolis community for their efforts in making the school a reality
“I commend Sen. Bobby Singleton, Rep. Cynthia Almond, Sen. Gerald Allen, Rep. A.J. McCampbell, Pro Tem Greg Reed, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and members of the Legislature who supported this important project,” she said. “I also greatly appreciate the community support from Demopolis and for the support of healthcare systems and hospitals across our state.”
“Investing in the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is an investment in education, our healthcare workforce, and the future of Alabama.”
Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton’s district includes Demopolis.
“I am honored that the state of Alabama chose my district to house this new school,” said Singleton (D-Greensboro). “This school will give communities throughout the state, along with hospitals and doctors’ offices a steady stream of trained medical professionals and staff.”
Until the school is finished, Singleton said the students will be housed at the University of West Alabama.
“While the school is under construction, we will partner with the University of West Alabama to house students,” Singleton said. “We have matching dollars that will come from private foundations to help with the costs and construction.
“I want to thank Gov. Kay Ivey and all the legislators who supported this effort. Demopolis is ready to make you proud.”
Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins said he is excited for the growth that the school will bring to the city.
“At the beginning of this process, our city committed to deeding the land for the school to the ASHS Foundation, and we are thrilled to honor our word,” Collins said. “We also know our city will soon be the home to new staff members and students of this school, and we will keep their needs top-of-mind in every decision we make about the growth of Demopolis.”
The initial legislative appropriation for ASHS will be $15 million which will allow the school to open in the fall of 2026 with approximately 400 ninth- and 10th-graders in the first year with an additional grade each year added each year.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
