For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 1,490 students in Harlan County, KY.
The top-ranked public high schools in Harlan County, KY are Harlan High School and Harlan County High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Harlan County, KY public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Kentucky public high school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 44% statewide average). High schools in Harlan County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public high schools.
Harlan County, KY public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is less than the Kentucky average of 92%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Harlan County High School, with 91% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Kentucky or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public high school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Harlan County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harlan High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750
Gr: 5-12 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Harlan County High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4000 N Us Hwy 119
Baxter, KY 40806
(606) 574-2020
Baxter, KY 40806
(606) 574-2020
Gr: 9-12 | 944 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: n/an/a
Appalachian Challenge Academy
Alternative School
465 Grays Drive
Grays Knob, KY 40829
(502) 607-5950
Grays Knob, KY 40829
(502) 607-5950
Gr: 9-12 | 97 students Minority enrollment: 13%
Harlan County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
600 Redskin Dr
Cumberland, KY 40823
(606) 589-4625
Cumberland, KY 40823
(606) 589-4625
Gr: 9-12 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
1995 Wildcat Dr
Evarts, KY 40828
(606) 837-2502
Evarts, KY 40828
(606) 837-2502
Gr: 9-12 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
279 Ball Park Rd
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Gr: 9-12 | 668 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Harlan County, KY?
The top-ranked public high schools in Harlan County, KY include Harlan High School and Harlan County High School.
How many public high schools are located in Harlan County?
3 public high schools are located in Harlan County.
What is the racial composition of students in Harlan County?
Harlan County public high schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public high schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.