Serving 944 students in grades 9-12, Harlan County High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 28% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 944 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 4%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Harlan County High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Harlan County High School's student population of 944 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 69 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
944 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
69 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Harlan County High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,267 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Harlan County High School is 0.08, which is less 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
#1038 out of 1267 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
38%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
45%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
22%

Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1

American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
10%

Black
2%
11%

White
96%
72%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%

All Ethnic Groups



Graduation Rate
86%
90%

Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
56%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
3%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harlan County High School's ranking?
Harlan County High School is ranked #1038 out of 1,267 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Harlan County High School?
The graduation rate of Harlan County High School is 86%, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Harlan County High School?
944 students attend Harlan County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Harlan County High School students are White, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Harlan County High School?
Harlan County High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Harlan County High School offer ?
Harlan County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Harlan County High School part of?
Harlan County High School is part of Harlan County School District.
School Reviews
Review Harlan County High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

What are the Benefits of Magnet Schools?
Kate Barrington has compiled this guide to magnet schools, explaining their unique educational approach, core principles, benefits, and potential considerations for parents seeking alternatives within the public school system.

Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
This comprehensive article explores the pros and cons of school uniforms in public schools. It discusses their impact on safety, learning environment, self-expression, and cost-effectiveness. The piece presents statistics, expert opinions, and arguments from both proponents and opponents, helping parents make informed decisions about uniform policies.

Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.