For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 5,639 students in 40004, KY (there are 5 private schools, serving 1,020 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in 40004, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 40004, KY are Bardstown Elementary School, Bardstown Middle School and Bardstown High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 40004 have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 40004, KY have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 40004, KY Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bardstown Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1345 Templin Ave
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8801
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8801
Gr: 2-5 | 847 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Bardstown Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
410 N 5th St
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8803
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8803
Gr: 6-8 | 591 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
Bardstown High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
400 N 5th St
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8802
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8802
Gr: 9-12 | 703 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
Bardstown Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1345 Templin Av
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8829
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8829
Gr: K-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #55.
Thomas Nelson High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
150 Generals Blvd
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-4650
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-4650
Gr: 9-12 | 629 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
Nelson County High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1070 Bloomfield Rd
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7010
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7010
Gr: 9-12 | 756 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #77.
Old Kentucky Home Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 Wildcat Ln
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7040
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7040
Gr: 6-8 | 594 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #88.
Foster Heights Elementary School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
211 E Muir Ave
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7030
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7030
Gr: K-5 | 588 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #99.
The Academy At Horizons
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
304 Wildcat Lane
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7045
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7045
Gr: K-12 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
980 Templin Ave
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8804
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8804
Gr: PK | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: n/an/a
1000 Templin Ave
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8810
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8810
Gr: K-1 | 434 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: n/an/a
Heartland Youth Village
Alternative School
1013 Granite Drive
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 849-3440
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 849-3440
Gr: 6-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
1200 Cardinal Dr
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 350-3914
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 350-3914
Gr: PK | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 38:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
The Up Center
Vocational School
1060 Bloomfield Rd.
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Gr: 6-12
40004, Kentucky Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Nelson County Area Technology Center (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
1060 Bloomfield Road
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Gr: 8-12
219 E Muir Ave
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7220
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7220
Gr: 4-5 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 40004, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in 40004, KY include Bardstown Elementary School, Bardstown Middle School and Bardstown High School.
How many public schools are located in 40004?
14 public schools are located in 40004.
What percentage of students in 40004 go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in 40004 are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 40004?
40004 public schools minority enrollment is 23% 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
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.
