For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 2,925 students in Clay County, KY (there are 3 private schools, serving 349 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Clay County, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, KY are Burning Springs Elementary School, Big Creek Elementary School and Manchester Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Burning Springs Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
9847 N Hwy 421
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3138
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3138
Gr: PK-6 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Big Creek Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
523 N Hwy 66
Oneida, KY 40972
(606) 598-2812
Oneida, KY 40972
(606) 598-2812
Gr: PK-6 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Manchester Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1908 N Hwy 421
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3444
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3444
Gr: PK-6 | 409 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #44.
Hacker Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
84 Hooker Rd
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3338
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3338
Gr: PK-6 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #55.
Oneida Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
435 Newfound Rd
Oneida, KY 40972
(606) 598-2168
Oneida, KY 40972
(606) 598-2168
Gr: PK-6 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: #66.
Paces Creek Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1983 S Hwy 421
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-6333
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-6333
Gr: K-6 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #77.
Goose Rock Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
364 Hwy 1524
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3740
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3740
Gr: PK-6 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #88.
Clay County Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
239 Richmond Rd
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-1810
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-1810
Gr: 7-8 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #99.
Clay County High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
415 Clay Co High Rd
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3737
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-3737
Gr: 9-12 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: n/an/a
Clay County Area Technology Center
Vocational School
1097 North Hwy 11
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-2194
Manchester, KY 40962
(606) 598-2194
Gr: 8-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Clay County, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, KY include Burning Springs Elementary School, Big Creek Elementary School and Manchester Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
11 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public schools minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Clay County include: Paces Creek Elementary School vs. Manchester Elementary School, Hacker Elementary School vs. Manchester Elementary School, Oneida Elementary School vs. Manchester Elementary School
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