For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,819 students in Carter County, KY (there are 1 private school, serving 125 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Carter County, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Carter County, KY are East Carter County High School, West Carter County High School and Olive Hill Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter County, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 6/10, 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 Carter County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
East Carter County High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
405 Hitchins Rd
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5714
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5714
Grades: 9-12
| 703 students
Rank: #22.
West Carter County High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
365 West Carter Dr
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2481
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2481
Grades: 9-12
| 510 students
Rank: #33.
Olive Hill Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
825 E Tom T Hall Blvd
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5385
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5385
Grades: PK-5
| 393 students
Rank: #44.
Prichard Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
401 E Main St
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-8815
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-8815
Grades: PK-5
| 623 students
Rank: #55.
Tygart Creek Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
19743 W Us Hwy 60
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Grades: PK-5
| 330 students
Rank: #66.
East Carter Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1 Spirit Lane
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5156
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5156
Grades: 6-8
| 490 students
Rank: #77.
West Carter Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
150 Warrior Drive
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5354
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5354
Grades: 6-8
| 375 students
Rank: #88.
Heritage Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4863 S State Hwy 1
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5784
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5784
Grades: PK-5
| 353 students
Rank: #99.
Carter Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
372 West Carter Dr.
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Grades: K-12
| 42 students
Rank: n/an/a
Carter County Career And Technical Center
Vocational School
15 Grahn Rd.
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Carter County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
13321 State Hwy 2
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-6121
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-6121
Grades: PK-5
| 124 students
12594 St Hwy 2
Carter, KY 41128
(606) 474-6121
Carter, KY 41128
(606) 474-6121
Grades: PK-5
| 157 students
21039 West Us Hwy 60
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Grades: PK-5
| 264 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Carter County, KY?
The top ranked public schools in Carter County, KY include East Carter County High School, West Carter County High School and Olive Hill Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Carter County?
10 public schools are located in Carter County.
What percentage of students in Carter County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Carter County are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter 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 Carter County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carter County include: East Carter County High School vs. West Carter County High School, West Carter County High School vs. East Carter County High School
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