Covington Holmes Junior/Senior High School in Covington, Kentucky, is the oldest public high school in Kentucky, founded as Covington Central High in 1853. It is a vital part of the Covington Independent Public Schools. Its boundary includes much of Covington and portions of Kenton Vale and Fort Wright.
Serving 855 students in grades 9-12, Holmes 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 8% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 855 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Holmes High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Holmes High School's student population of 855 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 64 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
855 students
Total Classroom Teachers
64 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Motto
Truth, Honor, and Commitment
School Rankings
Holmes High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Holmes High School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1219 out of 1250 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
32%
10%
Black
21%
11%
White
35%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Covington Independent School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holmes High School's ranking?
Holmes High School is ranked #1219 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Holmes High School often compared to?
Holmes High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Scott High School, Simon Kenton High School, Dixie Heights High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 21% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Holmes High School?
The graduation rate of Holmes High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Holmes High School?
855 students attend Holmes High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Holmes High School students are White, 32% of students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Holmes High School?
Holmes High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Holmes High School offer ?
Holmes High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Holmes High School part of?
Holmes High School is part of Covington Independent School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
a. Holmes High School is one of the only schools in the states that offers the Internaitional Baccalaureate Program, one of the most prestigious college-preparatory programs offered in the country.
b. While funding is being cut, Holmes has a lively theater department and choir, a marching and stage band, and IB art classes.
c. Holmes is known mostly for its achievements in basketball.
d. Considering parts of the school are almost 100 years old, it is not the newest looking school, but it is not run down.
e. Parent involvement is at the discretion of individual parents. Most parents of Holmes High School students have full time, working class jobs that do not always allow for involvement, but there are a healthy number of parents involved in decision making and after school activities.
Review Holmes High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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