R.C. Hemphill Elementary is an innovative public school serving preschoolers through 5th grade and holds the "Title One Distinguished School" award. Hemphill Elementary dates back to 1871 and was initially named West End School. The building at its current location was constructed in 1902, with many additions and renovations over the years. In 1910, when the town of West End was annexed into Birmingham, the name was changed, and R.C. Hemphill Elementary joined the Birmingham City School System.
Hemphill currently houses 24 classrooms, including a special needs preschool class. In addition to core academic classes, students at Hemphill are instructed in music, art and technology, as well as other extracurricular programs. Education needs are met through qualified resource teachers, a gifted program and speech therapy.
Many after-school programs are available, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and extended daycare services. Several sports programs are offered, such as basketball, softball and flag football. Hemphill was the first school in Birmingham to be certified as an official outdoor classroom site through the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program. Through this program, students participate in hands-on agricultural opportunities and study wildlife.
There are approximately 300 students at Hemphill, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 18-1. Hemphill Elementary provides a nourishing start to students' academic careers.
Hemphill Elementary School
Public Pre-K, Elementary School
|
Grade Pre-K-5
1240 Cotton Ave SW,
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham City Schools
School Details
Head of School
Dr Gwendolyn Tilghman
Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Math Proficiency
5%
Reading Proficiency
17%
Niche Grade
C-
C+
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Reading Proficiency
17%
Math Proficiency
5%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers
20
Full Time Teachers
20
Teachers in First or Second Year
30%
GreatSchools Rating
2
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
Math
50.3%
State Average
27.8%
Science
51%
State Average
21.8%
Teachers and Staff
Students Per Counselor
298:1
Student Diversity
Male
60.1%
Female
39.9%
Black
91.7%
Hispanic
7.4%
Two or more races
<1%
White
<1%
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
8/5/2025
This is an excellent school. I just love the staff! They are so caring to to the students.
10/3/2014
The school is very clean, they have a small garden, and they're getting a new playground this year. I was very happy there and my daughter's teacher last year really challenged my child. This year I'm very disappointed. My daughter is not being challenged at all. She doesn't even have a teacher thou...
3/7/2008
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Map
Attendance Zone
List Price Range
$15K - $319K
Homes For Sale
12
Average Home Value
$108,505
Median Lot Size
6,969 Sq Ft
% Renters
64%
Average Household Income
$36,343
% of College Grads
11.9%
Median Age
48
Average House Size
1,460 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
70.0%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 7th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Harrison Park
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Playground
Remy's Dog Park
Railroad Park
- Lake
- Playground
- Events
Rickwood Field
Lowery Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Playground
- Multi-Purpose Field
Kelly Ingram Park
- Trails
- Events
- Walking Paths
Woodward Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Picnic Area
Rickwood Mini-Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Parking Lot
West End Walking Trail
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Rising-West Princeton
Rickwood Field, the country’s oldest ballpark, is in this Birmingham neighborhood
College Hills
Historic homes in the rolling hills just 2 miles west of Downtown Birmingham
Fairview
A community resting in the redevelopment area of Five Points West
Graymont
Historic neighborhood in the Smithfield community, 2 miles west of Downtown Bham
Mason City
Rolling hills and simple houses just south of Downtown Birmingham
Oakwood Place
Investment homes near the West End 5 miles from Downtown Birmingham
Hemphill Elementary School is a public school for students in grades Pre-K-5 in Birmingham, AL and is served by the Birmingham City Schools in Alabama. The school has a total enrollment of 339 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Academic records show that 5% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 17% are proficient in reading. Hemphill Elementary School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C- and a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $108,505. Discover additional schools in the area, like A.H. Parker High School, Alabama School Of Fine Arts, Wenonah High School, and more. Learn more about what Birmingham has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Hemphill Elementary School.