For the 2025 school year, there are 10 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 East Carter County High School, West Carter County High School and Olive Hill Elementary 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 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Carter County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 703 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
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 | 510 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #33.
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 | 393 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
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 | 330 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
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 | 623 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #66.
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 | 375 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #77.
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: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #88.
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 | 353 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #99.
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 | 42 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 42:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
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
13321 State Hwy 2
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-6121
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-6121
Gr: PK-5 | 124 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
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 East Carter County High School, West Carter County High School and Olive Hill Elementary 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 28% (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
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
