About Us
District Overview
Fort Payne City Schools has a rich history deeply connected to the growth, resilience, and transformation of the City of Fort Payne. Since the city's incorporation in 1889, education has served as a cornerstone of the community's development. What began as a school system supporting a small industrial town has evolved into a high-performing district recognized for academic excellence, innovation, workforce development, and student achievement.
The history of Fort Payne mirrors the broader story of Northeast Alabama. During the city's early years, economic growth was fueled by railroads, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Schools were established to prepare young people for productive citizenship and meaningful employment while strengthening the community's social and economic foundation. As Fort Payne later emerged as the "Sock Capital of the World," the school system adapted to support a manufacturing-based economy through practical and vocational learning opportunities.
Over time, economic shifts required both the community and school system to evolve. The decline of traditional manufacturing and the rise of technology-driven industries transformed workforce expectations and educational priorities. In response, Fort Payne City Schools expanded academic offerings, increased access to technology, strengthened career pathways, and developed innovative programs designed to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing global economy. Today, the district serves as both an educational institution and a vital partner in the economic and civic development of the community.
Who We Are
Fort Payne City Schools serves approximately 3,371 students across six schools and educational programs, including pre-kindergarten, elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school campuses. The district reflects the diversity of the community it serves and remains committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities for all students.
Approximately 785 students are identified as English Learners, representing a significant and growing portion of district enrollment. Additionally, nearly 350 students receive special education services. These demographics present opportunities and responsibilities as the district works to meet the academic, linguistic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of every learner.
Recognizing these diverse needs, the district has implemented specialized programs and support systems, including the Newcomer Academy, multilingual learner services, individualized special education programming, targeted interventions, and expanded instructional supports. Through these initiatives, Fort Payne City Schools strives to ensure that every student is provided the resources and opportunities necessary for success.
Our Mission
The mission of Fort Payne City Schools is to provide student-centered learning so every child may pursue every dream.
Our Vision
The vision of Fort Payne City Schools is, with cooperation from our community allies, to be a system that creates students who transform our 21st-century workplace and society.
"Every Child. Every Chance. Every Day."
Culture of Learning
A strong culture of learning serves as the foundation of Fort Payne City Schools. The district fosters an environment characterized by high expectations, positive relationships, student engagement, and equitable access to learning opportunities.
District leaders recognize that student success extends beyond academic achievement. Schools prioritize social-emotional learning, mentoring, leadership development, positive school culture, and comprehensive support services. Students are encouraged to develop resilience, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership capacities that prepare them for future success.
Technology integration has become an essential component of learning across the district. Students engage with digital tools that support creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking while preparing them for participation in an increasingly technology-driven society.
Strong partnerships among students, families, educators, and community stakeholders contribute to a supportive learning environment where all learners are encouraged to reach their full potential.
Growth in Learning
Academic achievement remains a defining strength of Fort Payne City Schools. The district has earned an "A" rating on the Alabama State Report Card in 2022, 2023, and 2025, reflecting excellence in student achievement, growth, and overall school effectiveness.
Student outcomes demonstrate the district's commitment to continuous improvement and high expectations. Fort Payne City Schools maintains a graduation rate of 98 percent and a College and Career Readiness indicator of 98.87 percent. Approximately 77 percent of graduates pursue postsecondary education opportunities, while approximately 15 percent enter military service. Remaining graduates transition directly into the workforce, reflecting the district's commitment to preparing students for multiple successful pathways after graduation.
Literacy achievement has become another area of distinction. Under the Alabama Literacy Act, students are expected to demonstrate reading proficiency by the end of third grade. Fort Payne City Schools reports that approximately 90% percent of second- and third-grade students meet ACAP reading benchmarks, demonstrating the effectiveness of literacy instruction, targeted interventions, and comprehensive support systems.
The district also maintains an attendance rate of approximately 94.8 percent, reflecting strong student engagement, positive school culture, and meaningful partnerships with families and the community.
Engagement of Learning
One of the most significant examples of the district's evolution is its commitment to college, career, and workforce readiness. Fort Payne City Schools has developed one of the region's strongest Career and Technical Education programs, providing students with extensive opportunities to acquire industry-relevant skills while still enrolled in high school.
Through the Fort Payne Career Academy, Career and Technical Education Department, and BEAT Center, students have access to pathways in Public Safety, Construction, Welding, Business and Information Technology, Media and Communications, JROTC Leadership, Education and Training, Agriculture, Engineering, Health Science, Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, Computer Science, Aviation Technology, Electric Vehicle Technology, and Advanced Construction Trades.
The district recognizes that success after graduation can take many forms. Four-year universities, community colleges, technical education programs, military service, apprenticeships, and direct workforce entry are all valued as meaningful postsecondary pathways. Through Advanced Placement coursework, dual enrollment opportunities, career academies, and workforce partnerships, students are empowered to pursue futures aligned with their interests, talents, and aspirations.
Community partnerships with local businesses, industries, workforce organizations, and postsecondary institutions further strengthen these opportunities by providing authentic learning experiences and ensuring educational programs remain aligned with regional workforce needs.
Leadership for Learning
Leadership throughout Fort Payne City Schools emphasizes innovation, strategic planning, collaboration, and continuous improvement. District leaders consistently seek opportunities to enhance learning environments, expand student opportunities, and respond proactively to emerging educational needs.
Recent initiatives demonstrate this commitment, including the opening of Little Ridge Intermediate School, establishment of the Newcomer Academy, expansion of Pre-K programming, development of the BEAT Center, creation of the Fort Payne Career Academy, growth of A+ College Ready programming, expansion of Advanced Placement and Computer Science offerings, facility modernization projects, and enhanced school safety measures.
These investments reflect a commitment to responsible stewardship of resources and a vision focused on preparing students for future success.
Achievements
Recent accomplishments provide evidence of strong organizational performance and positive outcomes for students:
- Alabama State Report Card "A" ratings in 2022, 2023, and 2025
- A+ College Ready expansion and recognition through the 2026 Power of One Award
- 36 School of Opportunity and Belonging Leadership recipients since 2023-2024
- Recognition of a Fort Payne educator among Alabama's Top Four Teachers of the Year
- CLAS Banner School of Distinction recognition
- ARI Spotlight School recognition
- Art School of Focus designation
- Purple Star School recognitions
- National Merit Finalists
- Numerous achievements in academics, fine arts, athletics, STEM, and career readiness
These accomplishments reflect a district-wide commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement while providing evidence of success across multiple indicators of performance.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
The Fort Payne City Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age in its programs or activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Fort Payne City School System offers the following Career and Technical Education Programs for all students regardless of race, color, national origin, including those with limited English proficiency, sex, or liability in grades 9-12.
- Health Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Industrial Agriculture – Welding
- Industrial Agriculture – Construction
- Computer Science
- Cosmetology and Barbering
- Business Information Technology
- Education and Training
- Army JROTC
- PLTW - Engineering
- Law Enforcement Services
- Arts A/V Technology and Communications
- Visual Arts - Photography
- Agriscience – FPMS
- Drones
Persons seeking further information concerning the career and technical education offerings and specific pre-requisite criteria should contact:
Dan Groghan
Title IX Coordinator
201 45th Street
Fort Payne, AL 35967
(256) 845-0915
dgroghan@fpcsk12.com
*Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:
Janie McGee Dan Groghan
504 Coordinator Title IX Coordinator
201 45th Street 201 45th Street
Fort Payne, AL 35967 Fort Payne, AL 35967
(256) 845-0915 (256) 845-0915
jmcgee@fpcsk12.com dgroghan@fpcsk12.com