For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 1,578 students in Knox County, KY.
The top-ranked public high schools in Knox County, KY are Barbourville City School, Knox Central High School and Knox County Learning Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Knox County, KY public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kentucky public high school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 44% statewide average). High schools in Knox County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Kentucky public high schools.
Knox County, KY public high school have a Graduation Rate of 90%, which is less than the Kentucky average of 92%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Knox Central High School, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Kentucky or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public high school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Knox County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Barbourville City School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: PK-12 | 755 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Knox Central High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
100 Panther Way
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2843
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2843
Gr: 9-12 | 720 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Knox County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
135 Wall St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Gr: 6-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Knox Inspire Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
200 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Gr: K-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #55.
Knox Appalachian School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1909 Ky Hwy 3439
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Gr: 5-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Barbourville Learning Center
Alternative School
140 School Street
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3120
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3120
Gr: 7-12 | 2 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
Rank: n/an/a
Knox County Career And Technical Center
Vocational School
210 Wall Street
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2856
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2856
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Knox County, KY?
The top-ranked public high schools in Knox County, KY include Barbourville City School, Knox Central High School and Knox County Learning Academy.
How many public high schools are located in Knox County?
8 public high schools are located in Knox County.
What is the racial composition of students in Knox County?
Knox County public high schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public high schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
