By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

Multiple area school systems are among the safest in the state, according to a study recently conducted by a national website.

The Niche.com website recently compiled its 2017 list of the safest school districts in Alabama based on several criteria. While compiling the rankings, the website factored in parent and student surveys on health and safety, school system expense per student, student absenteeism rates, in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, law enforcement referrals and school-related arrests.

Hoover City Schools, which is partially in Shelby County, came in at No. 1 on the list, earning an overall school grade of A-plus and a health and safety grade of A-plus. HCS includes 18 schools and serves nearly 14,000 students.

HCS spends an average of $12,104 per student each year, and has a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio, according to the

The Alabaster City School System came in at No. 30 on the list, posting an overall grade of A-minus and a health and safety grade of A-minus. ACS includes seven schools serving a little more than 6,000 students, according to the website.

ACS has a 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio, but did not have a per-student expense listed on the website.

The Shelby County School System placed No. 41 on the list, posting an overall grade of A and a health and safety grade of A-minus. The county school system includes 36 schools and serves almost 20,000 students.

SCS has a 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio, and spends an average of 10,744 per student each year, according to the website.

To view the entire list, visit Niche.com/k12/search/safest-school-districts/s/alabama/.