For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 6,029 students in Henderson, KY (there are , serving 550 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Henderson, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%). Henderson has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Kentucky.
The top-ranked public schools in Henderson, KY are Cairo Elementary School, Niagara Elementary School and Henderson County South Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Henderson, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Henderson have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Kentucky public school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Henderson, KY (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cairo Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10694 Hwy 41-a
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 533-1286
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 533-1286
Gr: K-5 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Niagara Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
13043 Hwy 136 E
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5142
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5142
Gr: K-5 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Henderson County South Middle School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
800 S Alves St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5050
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5050
Gr: 6-8 | 681 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #44.
East Heights Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1776 Adams Ln
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5070
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5070
Gr: K-5 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #55.
Bend Gate Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
920 Bend Gate Rd
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5040
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5040
Gr: K-5 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #66.
Henderson County High School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2424 Zion Rd
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-8800
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-8800
Gr: 9-12 | 1,928 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #77.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1000 S. Alves Street
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5090
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5090
Gr: K-5 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #88.
Henderson County North Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1707 Second St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5060
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5060
Gr: 6-8 | 652 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #99.
South Heights Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1199 Madison St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5081
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5081
Gr: K-5 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1010.
The Central Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
851 Center Street
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Gr: 6-12 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: n/an/a
631 N. Green Street
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 854-0140
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 854-0140
Gr: PK | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Henderson, Kentucky Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Central Academy (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
851 Center St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Gr: 6-12 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Central Academy School (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
851 Center St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Gr: 6-12 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Henderson County Academy (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
1715 Second St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5105
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5105
Gr: 9-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Henderson County Career And Technology Center (Closed 2016)
Vocational School
2440 Zion Rd
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 827-3810
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 827-3810
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Henderson, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in Henderson, KY include Cairo Elementary School, Niagara Elementary School and Henderson County South Middle School. Henderson has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Kentucky.
How many public schools are located in Henderson?
11 public schools are located in Henderson.
What percentage of students in Henderson go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Henderson are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Henderson?
Henderson public schools minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Kentucky public schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Henderson are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Henderson include: Henderson County South Middle School vs. Henderson County North Middle School, Henderson County North Middle School vs. Henderson County South Middle School, Cairo Elementary School vs. East Heights Elementary School
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.
