Mission Statement

In partnership with parents and community, the mission of Simmons Middle School is to educate the whole child and to empower individuals to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. To accomplish this, students will be provided the opportunities to successfully meet or surpass local, state, and national standards. Our faculty commits to a comprehensive system of support for students, parents, and each other as we pledge to make the goal a reality.

About Simmons

Ira F. Simmons Middle School (SMS) is a Hoover City School that strives to provide a quality education for students in grades six through eight. Students at SMS are led by a highly distinguished staff of teachers and administrators that foster an environment of excellence on campus. Combined with first-class resources funded by the Hoover Technology Initiative students are given every opportunity to succeed. As a result, a rich history has developed that includes academic and athletic success.

Enrollment – Approximately 1100 students in our school.

Class Size – Approximately 25 students per classroom.

Student Teacher Ratio – (14:1)

Class Format – Students are taught in a departmentalized environment. All students change classrooms and teachers with each academic course.

Teaming – Each student is assigned to an academic team of teachers. This team meets daily throughout the school year to discuss student’s academic, social, and emotional progress in hopes of assuring a successful middle school experience.

Academic Courses – The curriculum includes instruction in language arts, math, social studies, science and reading.

Other Special Services

Reading Coach – Identifies and works with students to improve reading. The coach also assists teachers in reading in the content area.

Counseling Services – The school provides three counselors to assist students and parents in a variety of issues.

English Language Learner – The school offers small-group English instruction for children who speak a primary language other than English.

Speech and Language Services – Students with articulation or language development difficulties may be eligible for participation in the speech program.

Special Education – The school provides special education programs and services for students with educational disabilities including self-contained classes, and an in-class support resource program.

Technology – Students have access to a variety of technology through open computer labs, instructional computer labs, classroom computers, and a Chromebook for each individual student.

Library Media Center – The library maintains 18,757 titles in its collection. 

Electives – In addition to the academic core curriculum, students at Simmons Middle School participate in elective courses in a variety of subject areas that carry students from basic fundamentals to advanced concepts and skills.

Art – Students are exposed to principles of design through a variety of media. Students develop skills and techniques as they establish a vocabulary related to various mediums.

Band – As students continue musical education on selected instruments, they also learn the fundamentals of instrumental performance. SMS band students participate in competitions at both local and state levels, perform in concerts, and build school spirit at pep rallies and football games.

Choir – Through their exposure to choral music, students have the opportunity to develop sight reading skills, basic theory knowledge, music history fundamentals, as well as vocal technique. Students participate in local and state competitions, and perform in school concerts and other events.

Technology – Students receive training on state-of-the-art equipment as they learn keyboarding, software applications and broadcasting. Select students have the opportunity to write scripts, anchor the news, and create video for the production of a weekly news show.

Theatre – Students develop skills for acting and play production as they write and perform skits, short plays, and improvisations.

Spanish – Students build language proficiency skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as they gain knowledge and appreciation of the Hispanic culture.

Family and Consumer Science – Students explore the basic needs of personal development, grooming, interpersonal relationships; management of food, clothing, time, and housing. Students participate in cooking and sewing labs.

Distinguished Awards

11 Nationally Board Certified Teachers

51 teachers holding a Master’s degree

6 teachers with other advanced degrees.

Valerie Morgan- 2017-2018 Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame District Nominee and State Finalist

Cindi Morris - 2013-2014 Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame District Nominee

Debbie Simms – Birmingham Post Herald Distinguished Teacher of the Year Finalist

Academic Successes

Math Team – Consistently among the top in the state

Spelling Bee – Multiple State and National Competitors

Geography Bee – Multiple State and National Competitors

Writing – Local, State, and National Award Winners

Athletic Successes

Beverly Bean, Kevin Erwin, Keyon Williams, Brent Brizendine, Robert Abernathy, and Lucy Good – Metro Coach of the Year.

2005-2006 All-Metro Sports Trophy

Boys Basketball – 6 Metro Championships

Girls Basketball – 9 Metro Championships

Cross Country – 1 State Championship

Football – 12 Metro Championships

Softball – 3 Metro Championships

Tennis  - 2 Undefeated Seasons

Outdoor Track – 12 Metro Championships

Volleyball – 14 Metro Championships

Simmons Middle School is proud to be the home of: 

Deidra Downs – Miss America 2005

Taylor Hicks – American Idol 2006

Chad Jackson – Professional Football Player (2006 – Present)

Will Pearson – Co-founder and President, Mental Floss

Cory Reamer – 2009 National Champion – University of Alabama

Josh Chapman – 2011 National Champion – University of Alabama