Birmingham has many school systems because the “Greater Birmingham Area” includes many areas and separate cities. Hoover is the largest city in the area, next to Birmingham. The school systems include Birmingham City, Hoover City, Jefferson County, Homewood City, Mountain Brook City, Vestavia Hills City, and Shelby County School Systems. Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and Hoover are known for the highest test scores in the state. Each of those three school systems are competitive with one another in academics and athletics. High school football is very popular. University of Alabama at Birmingham is located in the heart of Birmingham’s Southside. It is known for its medical school and research. Samford University is located in Homewood, and Birmingham Southern is also located in Birmingham. Community colleges include Jefferson State and Lawson State. - Written by Janelle C.