For the 2025 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: 5-12
| 449 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 944 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 97 students
Harlan County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
600 Redskin Dr
Cumberland, KY 40823
(606) 589-4625
Cumberland, KY 40823
(606) 589-4625
Grades: 9-12
| 310 students
1995 Wildcat Dr
Evarts, KY 40828
(606) 837-2502
Evarts, KY 40828
(606) 837-2502
Grades: 9-12
| 332 students
279 Ball Park Rd
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Grades: 9-12
| 668 students
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).
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