The top reported proficiency rate is 39% in English language arts. The lowest is 9% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on I3 Academy Phase 2
i3 Academy Phase 2 is a charter middle school in Birmingham, serving grades six through eight. It is part of the i3 Academy charter district, an independent network that has recently expanded, including a high school co-located on the campus of Jefferson State Community College that allows students to take dual credit and professional certification courses. This expansion points to a district-level emphasis on early college and career pathways, though Phase 2 itself is a standalone middle school.
Housing in the surrounding area, as measured by a broad index, is well below both state and national benchmarks, with a modest year-over-year decline in home values. Rents are similarly below national levels but have seen a slight upward trend. Combined with a substantial share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, the economic context is one of serious affordability constraints for many families.
Academically, the core picture is one of low proficiency rates, especially in math and science, with English language arts performing somewhat better but still below a majority of students meeting the bar. On the most recent state assessments, across all three tested grades, the share of students scoring proficient in math was in the low single digits. Science proficiency for eighth graders was around a fifth of students. English language arts was stronger, with about a third of sixth graders, and two-fifths of seventh and eighth graders, meeting the proficiency benchmark. Because this is a single year of data, there is no trend to evaluate; the school has only this one point of measurement.
Compared to all other school districts in Jefferson County, i3 Academy Phase 2’s overall proficiency across all tested subjects and grades falls below the midpoint of the distribution. This is a significant soft spot. A parent considering this school would want to look closely at how the school addresses foundational math skills and whether its instructional approach is aligned with the state standards.
The student body is small, with an enrollment that fits a single grade per floor, and is overwhelmingly Black, with a small Hispanic and white presence. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported, which is a notable gap that limits a full understanding of the student support landscape. As a charter school, it operates with some independence from the traditional Birmingham City Schools system.
Birmingham itself is a mid-sized city and a major regional hub for medicine, finance, and education, though its population has been gradually declining and it lost its status as Alabama’s largest city after the 2020 census. The city’s economy has shifted from heavy industry to healthcare and services, anchored by large employers like the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Regions Financial. Walkability varies sharply by neighborhood, with some areas of downtown offering pedestrian-friendly blocks while much of the city is car-dependent. The city has pursued revitalization through hosting events and redeveloping historic buildings.
For a family, i3 Academy Phase 2 offers a small, focused middle school environment in a district that is building out a high school model with direct access to community college coursework. The academic performance data makes it clear that the school serves a population that, as a whole, is far from meeting state proficiency targets, particularly in math and science. The school’s mission and its place within the i3 Academy network’s broader strategy may be the primary draw, rather than a record of strong state test results. A family choosing this school should plan to engage deeply with the school’s leadership on academic support and remediation.
See more original research from School Decision →