For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,177 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 91%).
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 39% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Harlan have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Harlan, KY (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: K-4 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Harlan High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750
Gr: 5-12 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
James A. Cawood Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
279 Ball Park Rd
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Gr: PK-8 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
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
Gr: Inquire with school
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
Gr: Inquire with school
Rank: n/an/a
304 Surgener St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8714
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8714
Gr: PK | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 110:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
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 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Harlan?
Harlan public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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