For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 4,078 students in Johnson County, KY (there are , serving 112 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Johnson County, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Johnson County, KY are Highland Elementary School, W R Castle Memorial Elementary School and Johnson Central High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Johnson County, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Johnson County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Johnson County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
649 Us 23 South
Staffordsville, KY 41256
(606) 297-3674
Staffordsville, KY 41256
(606) 297-3674
Grades: PK-6
| 407 students
Rank: #22.
W R Castle Memorial Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3936 Us 23 N
Wittensville, KY 41274
(606) 297-3738
Wittensville, KY 41274
(606) 297-3738
Grades: PK-6
| 414 students
Rank: #33.
Johnson Central High School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
257 North Mayo Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2500
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2500
Grades: 9-12
| 913 students
Rank: #44.
Johnson County Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
251 N Mayo Tr
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-4133
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-4133
Grades: 7-8
| 443 students
Rank: #55.
Porter Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
7210 Us 321 S
Hagerhill, KY 41222
(606) 789-2545
Hagerhill, KY 41222
(606) 789-2545
Grades: PK-6
| 413 students
Rank: #66.
Flat Gap Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1450 Ky Rt 689
Flatgap, KY 41219
(606) 265-3110
Flatgap, KY 41219
(606) 265-3110
Grades: PK-6
| 229 students
Rank: #77.
Paintsville Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
325 2nd St
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2651
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2651
Grades: PK-6
| 453 students
Rank: #88.
Paintsville High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
225 2nd St
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2656
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2656
Grades: 7-12
| 321 students
Rank: #99.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1715 Euclid Ave
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2541
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2541
Grades: PK-6
| 336 students
Rank: #1010.
Johnson County Eagle Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
257 North Mayo Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2077
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2077
Grades: K-12
| 149 students
Rank: n/an/a
Carl D Perkins Comprehensive Rehab Center
Vocational School
5659 Main Street
Thelma, KY 41260
(606) 789-1440
Thelma, KY 41260
(606) 789-1440
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Kentucky Tech - Mayo Regional Tech Center
Vocational School
513 3rd Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-5321
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-5321
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Mayo Technical College
Vocational School
513 Third Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-5321
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-5321
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Johnson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
8446 Ky Rt 40 E
Williamsport, KY 41271
(606) 789-5050
Williamsport, KY 41271
(606) 789-5050
Grades: PK-6
| 178 students
305 Second St
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2651
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2651
Grades: PK
| n/a students
Tiger Virtual Academy (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
225 2nd Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2656
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2656
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Johnson County, KY?
The top ranked public schools in Johnson County, KY include Highland Elementary School, W R Castle Memorial Elementary School and Johnson Central High School.
How many public schools are located in Johnson County?
13 public schools are located in Johnson County.
What percentage of students in Johnson County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Johnson County are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Johnson County?
Johnson County public schools minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Johnson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Johnson County include: Paintsville High School vs. Johnson Central High School, Highland Elementary School vs. Paintsville Elementary School, Johnson Central High School vs. Paintsville High School
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