The greater Birmingham area was all over a recent list from Rivals and On3 which took a look at the top 10 high schools in the country for strong academics with elite athletic programs.

Birmingham alone made up 30 percent of the “academic-athletic powerhouses” list, with three of its notable high schools highlighting the Yellowhammer State.

On3 / Rivals ranked MBHS #3 nationally in an academic/athletic power ranking. Read more from their website about the ranking process: https://t.co/oMDFjgO1y6 pic.twitter.com/34mU5WPa4r

— Mountain Brook Athletics (@mbs_athletics) August 20, 2026

The first — ranked at No. 9 — was Vestavia Hills, which ranks among the top 700 schools in the country for academic success according to the article. Not to mention recent AHSAA state titles in baseball, wrestling, tennis, soccer, cross country, track, golf, and cheerleading, as well as a consistently successful football program for the Rebels.

A bit higher was Mountain Brook, coming in at No. 3 for their combination of elite academics, very strong football and basketball programs for the Spartans and frequent appearances on lists of the best high schools in all of Alabama.

Just ahead of Mountain Brook at No. 2 was Homewood, ranking No. 2 nationally according to the U.S. News list and citing the six AHSAA state titles on the football field as well. The Patriots are going to try to continue that success on the gridiron as well as in the classroom with another year getting started this week.