Ballard Memorial High School

3561 Paducah Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(School attendance zone shown in map)
10/
10
Top 10%
Ballard Memorial High School is a high school located in LaCenter, Kentucky, United States, although its mailing address is in Barlow. The school serves grades 9 through 12.
Serving 276 students in grades 9-12, Ballard Memorial High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-69% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 276 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 12%
  • : ≥90% (Btm 50% in KY)
  • : Top 10%
  • : 60-69% (Top 10%)
  • : 55-59% (Top 20%)
  • : 11-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : Ballard Memorial High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Barlow, KY, covering approximately 273.7 square miles. Families within this area can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 12.5 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Ballard Memorial High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:

Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Ballard Memorial High School's student population of 276 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
276 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
White, Kelly green
School Motto
Every student. Every decision. Every day.

School Rankings

Ballard Memorial High School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ballard Memorial High School is 0.22, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (KY)
#109 out of 1250 schools
(Top 10%)
60-69%
38%
55-59%
45%
11-19%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
2%
10%
Black
1%
11%
White
88%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.22
≥90%
90%
(22-23)
23.9%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ballard Memorial High School's ranking?
Ballard Memorial High School is ranked #109 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Kentucky.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ballard Memorial High School?
The graduation rate of Ballard Memorial High School is 90%, which is equal to the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Ballard Memorial High School?
276 students attend Ballard Memorial High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Ballard Memorial High School students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ballard Memorial High School?
Ballard Memorial High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Ballard Memorial High School offer ?
Ballard Memorial High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ballard Memorial High School part of?
Ballard Memorial High School is part of Ballard County School District.

School Reviews

Review Ballard Memorial High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 276 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 12%
  • : ≥90% (Btm 50%)
  • : Top 10%
  • : 60-69% (Top 10%)
  • : 55-59% (Top 20%)
  • : 11-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : Ballard Memorial High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Barlow, KY, covering approximately 273.7 square miles. Families within this area can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 12.5 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links