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%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Btm 50% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- 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
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
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)
(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.
Overall Testing Rank
#109 out of 1250 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
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
Graduation Rate
≥90%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(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
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
