Following Senate approval, the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will open in 2026

The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is officially coming to Demopolis after a 28-3 approval vote Thursday in the Senate.

The high school is open to students from across the state and will be a residential school like the Alabama School of Cyber ​​Technology & Engineering in Huntsville, Alabama School of Math & Science in Mobile and Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham.

Gov. Kay Ivey, a strong supporter of ASHS, is expected to sign legislation formally approving the school in the coming weeks.

“The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is coming to Demopolis,” Ivey said. “Students from across Alabama will soon benefit from an education at this special high school and go on to join our healthcare workforce. The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is yet another way our state is leading the nation in innovative education solutions.

Ivey praised several lawmakers, as well as the Demopolis community, for their efforts to make the school a reality

“I commend Senator Bobby Singleton, Representative Cynthia Almond, Senator Gerald Allen, Representative AJ McCampbell, Pro Tem Greg Reed, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and members of the Legislature who supported this important project,” she said. “I also greatly appreciate the community support of Demopolis and for the support of healthcare systems and hospitals across our state.”

“Investing in the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is an investment in education, our healthcare workforce and Alabama’s future.”

Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton’s district includes Demopolis.

“I am honored that the state of Alabama selected my district to host this new school,” said Singleton (D-Greensboro). “This school will provide communities across the state, along with hospitals and doctor’s offices, with a steady stream of trained medical professionals and staff.”

Until the school is completed, Singleton said the students will be housed at the University of West Alabama.

“While the school is under construction, we will work with the University of West Alabama to accommodate students,” Singleton said. “We have matching dollars that will come from private foundations to help with costs and construction.

“I want to thank Governor Kay Ivey and all the legislators who supported this effort. Demopolis is ready to make you proud.”

Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins said he is excited about the growth the school will bring to the city.

“At the beginning of this process, our city committed to transferring the land for the school to the ASHS Foundation, and we are pleased to deliver on our word,” said Collins. “We also know that our city will soon be home to new employees and students at this school, and we will keep their needs at the forefront of every decision we make about Demopolis’ growth.”

The initial statutory appropriation for ASHS will be $15 million, allowing the school to open in the fall of 2026 with approximately 400 ninth- and 10th-graders in the first year, adding an additional class each year.

Austen Shipley is a writer for Yellowhammer News.