For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 3,819 students in Carter County, KY (there are 1 private school, serving 118 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Carter County, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Carter County, KY are Carter City Elementary School, East Carter County High School and West Carter County High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter County, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Carter County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carter City Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
13321 State Hwy 2
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-6121
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-6121
Gr: PK-5 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #22.
East Carter County High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
405 Hitchins Rd
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5714
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5714
Gr: 9-12 | 678 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
West Carter County High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
365 West Carter Dr
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2481
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2481
Gr: 9-12 | 506 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #44.
Olive Hill Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
825 E Tom T Hall Blvd
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5385
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5385
Gr: PK-5 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Tygart Creek Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
19743 W Us Hwy 60
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Gr: PK-5 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #66.
Prichard Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 E Main St
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-8815
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-8815
Gr: PK-5 | 612 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #77.
West Carter Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
150 Warrior Drive
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5354
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5354
Gr: 6-8 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #88.
East Carter Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1 Spirit Lane
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5156
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5156
Gr: 6-8 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #99.
Heritage Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4863 S State Hwy 1
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5784
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5784
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #1010.
Carter Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
372 West Carter Dr.
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Gr: K-12 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 47:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
Carter County Career And Technical Center
Vocational School
15 Grahn Rd.
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Gr: 9-12
Carter County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
12594 St Hwy 2
Carter, KY 41128
(606) 474-6121
Carter, KY 41128
(606) 474-6121
Gr: PK-5 | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
21039 West Us Hwy 60
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Gr: PK-5 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Carter County, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in Carter County, KY include Carter City Elementary School, East Carter County High School and West Carter County High School.
How many public schools are located in Carter County?
10 public schools are located in Carter County.
What percentage of students in Carter County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Carter County are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter County public schools minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Carter County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carter County include: East Carter County High School vs. West Carter County High School, West Carter County High School vs. East Carter County High School
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