For the 2025 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%).
The top ranked public schools in Henderson, KY are Cairo Elementary School, Henderson County South Middle School and Niagara Elementary 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 48% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Henderson have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cairo Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | 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
Grades: K-5
| 250 students
Rank: #22.
Henderson County South Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
800 S Alves St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5050
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5050
Grades: 6-8
| 681 students
Rank: #33.
Niagara Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
13043 Hwy 136 E
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5142
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5142
Grades: K-5
| 269 students
Rank: #44.
Henderson County High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2424 Zion Rd
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-8800
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-8800
Grades: 9-12
| 1,928 students
Rank: #55.
East Heights Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1776 Adams Ln
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5070
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5070
Grades: K-5
| 350 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Bend Gate Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
920 Bend Gate Rd
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5040
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5040
Grades: K-5
| 426 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Henderson County North Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1707 Second St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5060
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5060
Grades: 6-8
| 652 students
Rank: #88.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | 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
Grades: K-5
| 426 students
Rank: #99.
South Heights Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1199 Madison St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5081
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5081
Grades: K-5
| 415 students
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
Grades: 6-12
| 240 students
Rank: n/an/a
631 N. Green Street
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 854-0140
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 854-0140
Grades: PK
| 392 students
Henderson, Kentucky Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Central Academy (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
851 Center St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Grades: 6-12
| 161 students
Central Academy School (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
851 Center St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5100
Grades: 6-12
| 146 students
Henderson County Academy (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
1715 Second St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5105
Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 831-5105
Grades: 9-12
| 43 students
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
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
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, Henderson County South Middle School and Niagara Elementary School.
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, Niagara Elementary School vs. South Heights Elementary School
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