Cowan Elementary School

3125 Hwy 931 S
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(School attendance zone shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 244 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Cowan Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is lower than 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 4% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 28% (majority Black).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 244 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 4%
  • : Bottom 50% in KY
  • : 25-29% (Btm 50%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 50%)
  • : 20-24% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education

School Overview

Cowan Elementary School's student population of 244 students has declined by 24% 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)
Total Students
244 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers

School Rankings

Cowan Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,267 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cowan Elementary School is 0.08, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (KY)
#708 out of 1267 schools
(Bottom 50%)
25-29%
38%
45-49%
45%
20-24%
22%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
n/a
10%
Black
1%
11%
White
96%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.08
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
3%
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowan Elementary School's ranking?
Cowan Elementary School is ranked #708 out of 1,267 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% 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?
244 students attend Cowan Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Cowan Elementary School students are White, 3% 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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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 244 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 4%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 25-29% (Btm 50%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 50%)
  • : 20-24% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education

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