For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,039 students in Ballard County, KY.
The top-ranked public schools in Ballard County, KY are Ballard Memorial High School, Ballard County Elementary School and Ballard County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ballard County, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Ballard County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Ballard County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ballard Memorial High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3561 Paducah Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: 9-12 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Ballard County Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3383 Paducah Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: K-5 | 444 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Ballard County Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3561 Paducah Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: 6-8 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
3383 Paducah Road
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: PK | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
Ballard County Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
11 Vocational School Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Ballard County, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in Ballard County, KY include Ballard Memorial High School, Ballard County Elementary School and Ballard County Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Ballard County?
5 public schools are located in Ballard County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ballard County?
Ballard County public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.