Serving 246 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Cowan Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is approximately equal to the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to 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 3% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 246 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 3%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in KY
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Cowan Elementary School serves the southwest part of Whitesburg, KY, covering an attendance area of approximately 76.5 square miles. Families in this zone typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 14.1 miles to the zone's edge and up to 19.6 miles to its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cowan Elementary School's student population of 246 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
246 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Cowan Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cowan Elementary School is 0.06, 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
#556 out of 1250 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
11%
White
97%
71%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)65.9%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
55%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cowan Elementary School's ranking?
Cowan Elementary School is ranked #556 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
How many students attend Cowan Elementary School?
246 students attend Cowan Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Cowan Elementary School students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cowan Elementary School?
Cowan Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Cowan Elementary School offer ?
Cowan Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Cowan Elementary School part of?
Cowan Elementary School is part of Letcher County School District.
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