For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,203 students in Harlan, KY (there are 1 private school, serving 40 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Harlan, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Harlan, KY are Harlan Elementary School, Harlan High School and James A. Cawood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Harlan, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Harlan have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Harlan, KY (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Harlan Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8715
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8715
Grades: K-4
| 352 students
Rank: #22.
Harlan High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750
Grades: 5-12
| 449 students
Rank: #33.
James A. Cawood Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
279 Ball Park Rd
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Grades: PK-8
| 283 students
Rank: n/an/a
Cumberland Tech - Harlan Campus
Vocational School
164 Ballpark Road
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-1506
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-1506
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Kentucky Tech - Harlan Regional Tech Center
Vocational School
164 Ball Park Road
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-1506
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-1506
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
Harlan, Kentucky Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
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 schools in Harlan, KY?
The top ranked public schools in Harlan, KY include Harlan Elementary School, Harlan High School and James A. Cawood Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Harlan?
6 public schools are located in Harlan.
What percentage of students in Harlan go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Harlan are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Harlan?
Harlan public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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