Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, also known as Dunbar High School, is a public high school located at 1600 Man o' War Boulevard on the southwest side of Lexington, Kentucky, United States. The school is one of six high schools in the Fayette County Public Schools district. The school was opened in 1990.
Serving 1,889 students in grades 9-12, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 43% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,889 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Btm 50% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School's student population of 1,889 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 111 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,889 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
111 teachers
Year Founded
1990
Colors
Black, Red
School Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#266 out of 1250 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
22%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
10%
2%
Hispanic
32%
10%
Black
14%
11%
White
40%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldogs
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar High School's ranking?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is ranked #266 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Paul Laurence Dunbar High School often compared to?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lafayette High School, Henry Clay High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
The graduation rate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is 90%, which is equal to the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
1,889 students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School students are White, 32% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 10% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar High School offer ?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Paul Laurence Dunbar High School part of?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is part of Fayette County School District.
School Reviews
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