For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 blue ribbon public high schools serving 5,233 students in Kentucky.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top-ranked blue ribbon public high schools in Kentucky are Dupont Manual High School, Highlands High School and Beechwood High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kentucky blue ribbon public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the Kentucky public high school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 44% statewide average).
Kentucky blue ribbon public high school have a Graduation Rate of 97%, which is more than the Kentucky average of 92%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Dupont Manual High School, with ≥99% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Kentucky or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is equal to the Kentucky public high school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Blue Ribbon Public High Schools in Kentucky (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dupont Manual High School
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
120 W Lee St
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 485-8241
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 485-8241
Gr: 9-12 | 1,899 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Highlands High School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2400 Memorial Pkwy
Fort Thomas, KY 41075
(859) 781-5900
Fort Thomas, KY 41075
(859) 781-5900
Gr: 9-12 | 1,019 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Beechwood High School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
54 Beechwood Rd
Ft Mitchell, KY 41017
(859) 331-1220
Ft Mitchell, KY 41017
(859) 331-1220
Gr: 7-12 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Murray High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1800 Sycamore St
Murray, KY 42071
(270) 753-5202
Murray, KY 42071
(270) 753-5202
Gr: 9-12 | 607 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Russell High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
709 Red Devil Lane
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-9658
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-9658
Gr: 9-12 | 615 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Frankfort High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
328 Shelby St
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 875-8655
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 875-8655
Gr: 9-12 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked blue ribbon public high schools in Kentucky?
The top-ranked blue ribbon public high schools in Kentucky include Dupont Manual High School, Highlands High School and Beechwood High School.
How many blue ribbon public high schools are located in Kentucky?
6 blue ribbon public high schools are located in Kentucky.
What is the racial composition of students in Kentucky?
Kentucky blue ribbon public high schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is equal to the Kentucky public high schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
