Serving 1,255 students in grades 9-12, Murphy High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Alabama for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 24% (which is lower than the Alabama state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Alabama state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Alabama state average of 49% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,255 students
Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Minority Enrollment: 85%
Graduation Rate
: 85% (Btm 50% in AL)
Overall Testing Rank
: Bottom 50%
Math Proficiency
: 10% (Btm 50%)
Reading Proficiency
: 24% (Btm 50%)
Science Proficiency
: 18% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Murphy High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,285 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Murphy High School is 0.41, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
S.S. Murphy High School, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a public
high school operated by the Mobile County Public School System.
History: In 1922, the Mobile County Public School System
(MCPSS) began to plan for the construction of a new high school
that would serve the entire county, as the facilities of Barton
Academy were becoming overcrowded with soldiers returning from
World War I. Prior to that time Barton Academy had been used as a
public school. In 1923, the Mobile County School Board acquired 38
acres from the Carlen family for a site for their proposed high
school complex, with room for a student body from 8th to 11th
grade. The cornerstone of the school was laid on December 14, 1925,
and on April 26, 1926, Mobile High School, later known as Murphy
High School, opened. Construction costs totaled $850,000 for the
first six buildings with an additional $200,000 spent on the
gymnasium and the Olympic-size pool installed in 1930, leading to
the local designation of the school as the "million-dollar high
school".
The school was first known as Mobile High School, but two years
after its opening the school's name was changed to Murphy High
School in honor of Samuel Silenus Murphy, MCPSS superintendent who
directed public education in Mobile from 1900-1926. While still
called Murphy High School, the yearbook was called the "Mobile High
Annual." At the change of the name to Murphy High School, the
workers did not want to change the name of the yearbook. They
agreed to shorten the name to "Mohian," or a shortened version of
Mobile High Annual.
Murphy was selected in 1987 as a Presidential Model School by the
U.S. Department of Education, and was placed in 1982 on the
National Register of Historic Landmarks by the U.S. Department of
the Interior. In 1994, Redbook Magazine named Murphy one of the top
high schools in America and one of the biggest high schools in
Alabama. In 1997, several Murphy students were featured in
Seventeen Magazine.
Academics: Murphy attracts students from all over Mobile
County. It has extensive offering of courses, including 14 courses
of Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate program.
Students at Murphy consistently score above the national average on
SAT and ACT tests. Earning over $6.5 million in scholarships
annually, an average of 65% of Murphy's seniors attend four-year
colleges, and approximately 20% attend two-year colleges, including
vocational training. From 1990-2003, Murphy had 24 National Merit
semi-finalists, and 28 commended students. Nine students earned
National Achievement Recognition. Murphy also offers the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
School uniform: Murphy students are required to wear school
uniforms.
Feeder patterns: The following middle schools feed into
Murphy: Burns, Calloway-Smith, Denton, Eanes, Hillsdale, Pillans,
Scarborough, and Washington.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% AL state average), while 24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Murphy High School?
The graduation rate of Murphy High School is 85%, which is lower than the Alabama state average of 88%.
How many students attend Murphy High School?
1,255 students attend Murphy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of Murphy High School students are Black, 15% of students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Murphy High School?
Murphy High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Murphy High School offer ?
Murphy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Murphy High School part of?
This is a horrible school. The school administration doesn't take the kids’ bullying action serious. There's no guidance at the school to ensure the kids' safety. The resources officer never are on duty but linger around and not concerned about the needs of the students. Please avoid this school. The principal never is concerned about the safety of the kids. Horrible School in Mobile ala.
- Posted by Parent - Tim
24/10/2012
We took our son out of our district just to attend the IB program here. It was the worst thing we ever did to him. No need to bore you with details. Let me just summarize by saying this school is not a school but a big juvenile detention center, and the IB program is basically a pathetic attempt at beautification. The administration is so overwhelmed that they cannot be bothered with the needs of students who are NOT getting into trouble. There are a few good teachers, but not enough to make it worthwhile. Don't waste a single day of your child's youth, as we had. Avoid this school at all costs.
- Posted by Parent - gapud
Review Murphy High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
An in-depth examination of the critical challenges confronting America's public education system, exploring issues ranging from classroom overcrowding to student poverty, and highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
Explore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.
Quick Stats (2025)
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,255 students
Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Minority Enrollment: 85%
Graduation Rate
: 85% (Btm 50%)
Overall Testing Rank
: Bottom 50%
Math Proficiency
: 10% (Btm 50%)
Reading Proficiency
: 24% (Btm 50%)
Science Proficiency
: 18% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
