Who We Are

The Colbert County School System is located in the picturesque northwest corner of Alabama, most affectionately known as "The Shoals". Approximately 2,600 students are enrolled in one of our 5 Elementary Schools serving grades PreK-6 and 3 High Schools serving grades 7-12. Cherokee Elementary, Cherokee High Schools, New Bethel Elementary, Colbert Heights Elementary, Colbert Heights High School, Colbert County High School, Leighton Elementary, and Hatton Elementary schools serve every community throughout the 600 square miles of Colbert County. Ranking as one of the top 5 employers in Colbert County, the district employs approximately 430 teachers, administrators, and staff across our 8 campuses, central office, bus shop, maintenance, and technology facilities.

Five schools currently operate under Title I funds with school-wide programs. Career & Technical Education in Colbert County features the latest innovative programs, countless examples of student representation at state and national competitions, and incredible instructors who are fully engaged in the increasingly vital mission of preparing today's students to become tomorrow's workforce. In 2021, Colbert County Schools was proud to be recognized as the first school district in the nation to attain district-wide national NISE STEM Accreditation.

Our Community

Colbert County is a beautiful area with a deep history dating back to the Cherokee and Chickasaw Indians and early French traders around 1715 who were attracted by the Tennessee River. This area of Colbert County earned the name "Muscle Shoals" because of the strength of the river and its several different species of mussels. Located in the county seat of Tuscumbia, Colbert County is comprised of more than 600 square miles of picturesque natural beauty in the Northwest corner of Alabama. The area boasts an unrivaled musical heritage that has featured the styles of W.C. Handy, Percy Sledge, and the world-famous Muscle Shoals Sound.

Locals and visitors from around the globe trek to Colbert County to revel in our unrivaled musical heritage through the Muscle Shoals Sound and Fame Studios, experience the birthplace of Helen Keller at Ivy Green, explore the watering hole under the rock at Rattlesnake Saloon, and enjoy world-class golf at Ford City's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Colbert County continues to be a rich and invigorating place to live, work, learn, and play. 

Our History

Since the Colbert County Board of Education was established on August 13, 1914, 17 Superintendents have been elected by the citizens of Colbert County to work with the 6 elected Board Members to guide the educational policies, procedures, and operation of the organized county school system. During that same period, there have been 64 campuses established to provide a quality education for students across Colbert County. See the list of previous leadership and facilities below that have been a part of the extraordinary history of our schools.