For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 1,084 students in Harlan, KY.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Harlan, KY are Harlan Elementary School, Harlan High School and James A. Cawood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Harlan, KY public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kentucky public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Harlan have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public elementary school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Harlan, KY (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harlan Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8715
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8715
Gr: K-4 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
James A. Cawood Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
279 Ball Park Rd
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Gr: PK-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Harlan, Kentucky Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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 elementary schools in Harlan, KY?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Harlan, KY include Harlan Elementary School, Harlan High School and James A. Cawood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Harlan?
3 public elementary schools are located in Harlan.
What is the racial composition of students in Harlan?
Harlan public elementary schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public elementary schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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