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 (26-27)
- 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
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
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%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
45%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Black
1%
11%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 36-year historical data
White
99%
71%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 36-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)50.9%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
55%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 29-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
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.
School Reviews
Review James A. Cawood Elementary 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
Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can a public school charge for a course your child needs to graduate? Learn how state rules, course alternatives, summer programs, and fee waivers affect the answer, plus what parents should request before paying, accepting a substitute, or challenging a charge that threatens graduation plans.
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
School accounts may close after graduation or a transfer, leaving important projects inaccessible. Learn what families should save, which deadlines to confirm, how to check exported files, and why shared links alone may not preserve your child's work for future applications, learning, or personal memories.
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
Is your child's school commute becoming too demanding? Learn how to weigh educational benefits against daily strain, recognize warning signs, explore practical adjustments, and decide when a closer school fits.
