Serving 277 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, James A. Cawood 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 43% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is equal to the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 1% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 277 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 1%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in KY
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James A Cawood Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire district in Harlan, KY, covering approximately 462.5 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a 20-30 minute drive to the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being 13.3 miles and the furthest edge reaching 27.2 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Overview
James A. Cawood Elementary School's student population of 277 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
277 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Committed to Excellence in Education
School Rankings
James A. Cawood 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 James A. Cawood Elementary School is 0.02, 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
#525 out of 1250 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
n/a
10%
Black
1%
11%
White
99%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)50.9%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James A. Cawood Elementary School's ranking?
James A. Cawood Elementary School is ranked #525 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?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
How many students attend James A. Cawood Elementary School?
277 students attend James A. Cawood Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of James A. Cawood Elementary School students are White, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James A. Cawood Elementary School?
James A. Cawood Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does James A. Cawood Elementary School offer ?
James A. Cawood Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James A. Cawood Elementary School part of?
James A. Cawood Elementary School is part of Harlan County School District.
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