For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 1,596 students in Bell County, KY.
The top ranked public high schools in Bell County, KY are Middlesboro Alternative School, Bell County High School and Pineville Independent School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Bell County, KY public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Kentucky public high school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 44% statewide average). High schools in Bell County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public high schools.
Bell County, KY public high school have a Graduation Rate of 90%, which is less than the Kentucky average of 92%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Bell County High School, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Kentucky or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public high school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Bell County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Middlesboro Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
220 North 20th Street
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8816
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8816
Grades: 7-12
| 31 students
Rank: #22.
Bell County High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9824 Us Highway 25 E
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-7061
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-7061
Grades: 9-12
| 643 students
Rank: #33.
Pineville Independent School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 Virginia Avenue
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-5701
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-5701
Grades: PK-12
| 569 students
Rank: #44.
Middlesboro High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4404 Cumberland Ave
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8820
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8820
Grades: 9-12
| 347 students
Rank: n/an/a
Bell County Area Technology Center
Vocational School
9828 Us Hwy. 25-e
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-3094
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-3094
Grades: 8-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Middlesboro Group Home School
Alternative School
220 North 20th Street
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8800
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8800
Grades: 6-12
| 6 students
Bell County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Bell County Alternative School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
9828 Us Hwy 25e Second Floor
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-0957
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-0957
Grades: 4-12
| n/a students
Bell County Education Center (Closed 2014)
Vocational School
560 Correctional Dr
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-7065
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-7065
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
220 North 20th Street
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8816
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8816
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
502 Ashbury Ave
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8840
Middlesboro, KY 40965
(606) 242-8840
Grades: PK
| 89 students
401 Virginia Ave
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-3412
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-3412
Grades: PK-6
| 273 students
401 Virginia Ave
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-2361
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-2361
Grades: 7-12
| 235 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Bell County, KY?
The top ranked public high schools in Bell County, KY include Middlesboro Alternative School, Bell County High School and Pineville Independent School.
How many public high schools are located in Bell County?
6 public high schools are located in Bell County.
What is the racial composition of students in Bell County?
Bell County public high schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public high schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Bell County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Bell County include: Bell County High School vs. Middlesboro High School, Middlesboro High School vs. Bell County High School
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