Home > Kentucky > Harlan County

Harlan Independent School District

Item: Harlan Independent School District
Rating: 7
Author: Public School Review

420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831

( shown in map)

Top 50%

Tel: (606) 573-8700

www.harlan-ind.k12.ky.us

Top Rankings

Harlan Independent School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Kentucky for:

Overview

This School District

This State (KY)

# Schools

3 Schools

1,544 Schools

# Students

900 Students

655,820 Students

# Teachers

51 Teachers

42,795 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

18:1

Student By Grade

View Data

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
Pre-K	110	142
Kind	82	265
1	61	276
2	66	279
3	65	289
4	61	271
5	65	276
6	73	276
7	54	257
8	55	274
9	58	297
10	50	295
11	47	283
12	52	264
Grade Not Listed	1	3

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

District Rank

Harlan Independent School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 171 school districts in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.

The school district's graduation rate of 75% has decreased from 90% over five school years.

This School District

State Average (KY)

#56 out of 172 school districts
(Top 50%)

View Data

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District
2023	#56
2022	#28
2021	#43
2019	#21
2018	#30
2017	#65
2016	#28
2015	#83
2014	#55
2013	#38
2012	#12

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

36%

38%

View Data

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	36%	38%
2022	41%	38%
2021	28%	30%
2019	56%	46%
2018	53%	47%
2017	42%	47%
2016	51%	49%
2015	38%	45%
2014	43%	46%
2013	44%	42%
2012	50%	41%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

57%

45%

View Data

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2022	57%	45%
2021	49%	42%
2019	63%	56%
2018	53%	56%
2017	62%	56%
2016	66%	56%
2015	58%	55%
2014	59%	54%
2013	55%	51%
2012	60%	48%
2011	82%	72%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

30-34%

22%

View Data

Science Proficiency Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2022	32%	22%
2021	37%	24%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

75%

90%

View Data

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	75%	90%
2022	84%	90%
2021	90%	90%
2020	90%	90%
2019	90%	90%
2018	90%	90%
2017	90%	89%
2016	84%	89%
2015	90%	89%
2014	90%	88%
2013	90%	89%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(2022-23)

38.2%

28%

View Data

Chronic Absenteeism Rate Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	38.2%	28%
2022	34.8%	26.1%
2021	49.1%	36.9%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.23

0.48

View Data

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	0.24	0.45
2022	0.25	0.44
2021	0.26	0.42
2020	0.22	0.41
2019	0.22	0.41
2018	0.21	0.39
2017	0.21	0.39
2016	0.19	0.38
2015	0.25	0.38
2014	0.21	0.36
2013	0.19	0.35
2012	0.18	0.33
2011	0.18	0.32
2010	0.15	0.32
2009	0.13	0.30
2008	0.14	0.30
2007	0.15	0.28
2006	0.10	0.24
2005	0.14	0.25
2004	0.15	0.24
2003	0.16	0.23
2002	0.16	0.24
2001	0.17	0.25
2000	0.18	0.23
1999	0.16	0.23
1998	0.17	0.22
1997	0.30	0.22
1996	0.17	0.20
1995	0.17	0.20
1994	0.16	0.23
1993	0.15	0.18
1992	0.17	0.18
1991	0.16	0.18

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

n/a

% Asian

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2001-2023)
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	1%	2%
2022	2%	2%
2021	1%	2%
2020	1%	2%
2019	1%	2%
2018	1%	2%
2017	1%	2%
2016	1%	2%
2015	3%	2%
2014	1%	2%
2013	1%	1%
2012	2%	2%
2011	1%	1%
2010	1%	2%
2009	1%	2%
2008	1%	2%
2005	1%	1%
2004	2%	1%
2003	2%	1%
2002	2%	2%
2001	2%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

10%

View Data

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1998-2023)
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	2%	9%
2022	2%	8%
2021	2%	8%
2020	2%	7%
2019	2%	7%
2018	1%	6%
2017	1%	6%
2016	1%	6%
2015	4%	6%
2014	2%	5%
2013	1%	5%
2012	2%	4%
2011	1%	4%
2010	2%	4%
2009	1%	4%
2008	1%	4%
2007	2%	3%
2000	1%	2%
1998	2%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

11%

View Data

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	4%	11%
2022	4%	11%
2021	5%	11%
2020	4%	11%
2019	4%	11%
2018	4%	11%
2017	4%	11%
2016	4%	11%
2015	6%	11%
2014	4%	11%
2013	5%	11%
2012	5%	11%
2011	5%	11%
2010	4%	12%
2009	4%	11%
2008	5%	11%
2007	6%	11%
2006	5%	11%
2005	5%	11%
2004	6%	11%
2003	7%	11%
2002	7%	10%
2001	7%	11%
2000	8%	11%
1999	6%	11%
1998	8%	10%
1997	10%	10%
1996	9%	10%
1995	9%	10%
1994	8%	11%
1993	8%	9%
1992	8%	10%
1991	8%	10%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

87%

71%

View Data

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	87%	73%
2022	86%	74%
2021	85%	75%
2020	88%	76%
2019	88%	76%
2018	89%	77%
2017	89%	77%
2016	90%	78%
2015	81%	78%
2014	89%	79%
2013	90%	80%
2012	91%	81%
2011	91%	82%
2010	92%	82%
2009	93%	83%
2008	93%	83%
2007	92%	84%
2006	95%	86%
2005	93%	86%
2004	92%	86%
2003	91%	87%
2002	91%	87%
2001	91%	86%
2000	90%	87%
1999	92%	87%
1998	90%	88%
1997	68%	88%
1996	91%	89%
1995	91%	89%
1994	92%	87%
1993	92%	90%
1992	91%	90%
1991	92%	90%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

% Two or more races

View Data

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023)
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	6%	5%
2022	6%	5%
2021	7%	4%
2020	5%	4%
2019	5%	4%
2018	5%	4%
2017	5%	4%
2016	4%	3%
2015	5%	3%
2014	4%	3%
2013	2%	3%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $10,921 in this school district is less than the state median of $14,273. The school district revenue/student has declined by 10% over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $10,782 is less than the state median of $14,011. The school district spending/student has declined by 7% over four school years.

This School District

This State (KY)

Total Revenue

$10 MM

$9,360 MM

View Data

Total Revenues Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	$10 MM	$31 MM
2022	$9 MM	$28 MM
2021	$10 MM	$31 MM
2020	$9 MM	$28 MM
2019	$9 MM	$29 MM
2018	$8 MM	$28 MM
2017	$10 MM	$27 MM
2016	$7 MM	$26 MM
2015	$8 MM	$24 MM
2014	$8 MM	$25 MM
2012	$8 MM	$25 MM
2011	$8 MM	$25 MM
2010	$8 MM	$24 MM
2009	$8 MM	$24 MM
2008	$8 MM	$23 MM
2007	$8 MM	$21 MM
2006	$7 MM	$21 MM
2005	$7 MM	$19 MM
2004	$7 MM	$18 MM
2003	$7 MM	$17 MM
2002	$6 MM	$16 MM
2001	$6 MM	$16 MM
2000	$6 MM	$15 MM
1999	$6 MM	$15 MM
1998	$6 MM	$13 MM
1997	$5 MM	$13 MM
1996	$5 MM	$12 MM
1995	$5 MM	$12 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$10 MM

$9,189 MM

View Data

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	$10 MM	$31 MM
2022	$9 MM	$30 MM
2021	$10 MM	$31 MM
2020	$9 MM	$30 MM
2019	$9 MM	$29 MM
2018	$8 MM	$29 MM
2017	$7 MM	$27 MM
2016	$7 MM	$26 MM
2015	$9 MM	$24 MM
2014	$7 MM	$24 MM
2012	$8 MM	$25 MM
2011	$7 MM	$25 MM
2010	$9 MM	$24 MM
2009	$8 MM	$23 MM
2008	$8 MM	$23 MM
2007	$9 MM	$23 MM
2006	$6 MM	$21 MM
2005	$7 MM	$20 MM
2004	$7 MM	$18 MM
2003	$6 MM	$17 MM
2002	$6 MM	$16 MM
2001	$6 MM	$15 MM
2000	$8 MM	$16 MM
1999	$6 MM	$15 MM
1998	$5 MM	$14 MM
1997	$6 MM	$14 MM
1996	$5 MM	$13 MM
1995	$5 MM	$12 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$10,921

$14,273

View Data

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	$11,856	$14,017
2022	$12,168	$12,277
2021	$14,021	$13,947
2020	$12,168	$12,277
2019	$11,457	$12,601
2018	$10,219	$12,004
2017	$11,691	$11,655
2016	$9,059	$11,340
2015	$9,428	$10,260
2014	$8,839	$10,525
2012	$8,971	$10,538
2011	$8,383	$10,815
2010	$8,226	$10,260
2009	$9,545	$10,129
2008	$8,626	$9,593
2007	$9,800	$9,177
2006	$6,963	$8,595
2005	$6,834	$8,058
2004	$7,395	$7,571
2003	$7,583	$7,233
2002	$6,392	$6,765
2001	$6,847	$6,804
2000	$6,639	$6,297
1999	$8,846	$6,223
1998	$7,901	$5,571
1997	$4,380	$5,719
1995	$5,115	$5,143
1992	$4,457	$3,961

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$10,782

$14,011

View Data

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	Harlan Independent School District	Kentucky
2023	$11,706	$14,031
2022	$11,654	$13,046
2021	$13,843	$13,961
2020	$11,654	$13,046
2019	$11,643	$12,743
2018	$10,448	$12,248
2017	$8,254	$11,623
2016	$8,280	$11,206
2015	$10,572	$10,180
2014	$8,107	$10,401
2012	$8,117	$10,497
2011	$7,538	$10,742
2010	$9,225	$10,180
2009	$9,710	$9,906
2008	$9,155	$9,747
2007	$10,472	$9,749
2006	$6,388	$8,847
2005	$6,545	$8,358
2004	$7,062	$7,657
2003	$6,925	$7,021
2002	$6,151	$6,829
2001	$6,362	$6,553
2000	$8,635	$6,848
1999	$8,803	$6,265
1998	$7,491	$5,710
1997	$4,550	$6,044
1995	$5,287	$4,886
1992	$4,124	$3,804

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Best Harlan Independent School District Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

Harlan Elementary School

(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
:

Top 20%

Add to Compare

420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8715

Gr: K-4 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%

Rank: #22.

Harlan High School

(Math: 33% | Reading: 54%)
:

Top 50%

Add to Compare

420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750

Gr: 5-12 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 12%

Rank: n/an/a

Sunshine School

Add to Compare

304 Surgener St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8714

Gr: PK | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 110:1 Minority enrollment: 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many schools belong to Harlan Independent School District?

Harlan Independent School District manages 3 public schools serving 900 students.

What is the rank of Harlan Independent School District?

Harlan Independent School District is ranked #51 out of 171 school districts in Kentucky (top 30%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of Kentucky school districts for: Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 10%) and Highest science proficiency (Top 10%)

What is the racial composition of students in Harlan Independent School District?

87% of Harlan Independent School District students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.

What is the student/teacher ratio of Harlan Independent School District?

Harlan Independent School District has a student/teacher ratio of 18:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.

What is Harlan Independent School District's spending/student ratio?

The school district's spending/student of $10,782 is less than the state median of $14,011. The school district spending/student has declined by 7% over four school years.

Recent Articles

July 22, 2026

Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well

Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.

July 22, 2026

Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate

Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.

July 22, 2026

Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District

Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.

Quick Facts (2026)

District size: 3 schools
Grades: PK-12
Enrollment: 900 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Minority Enrollment: 13%
: 75% (Btm 50% in KY)
: Top 50%
: 36% (Btm 50%)
: 57% (Top 10%)
: 30-34% (Top 10%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education