For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public elementary schools serving 2,791 students in Knox County, KY.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Knox County, KY are G R Hampton Elementary School, Jesse D Lay Elementary School and Knox County Learning Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Knox County, KY public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Kentucky public elementary school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Knox County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public elementary school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Knox County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
G R Hampton Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
60 Ky 3441
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2840
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2840
Grades: PK-5
| 230 students
Rank: #22.
Jesse D Lay Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
220 N Allison Ave
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2849
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2849
Grades: PK-5
| 306 students
Rank: #33.
Knox County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
135 Wall St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Grades: 6-12
| 48 students
Rank: #44.
Barbourville City School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Grades: PK-12
| 731 students
Rank: #55.
Knox County Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
311 N Main St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 545-5267
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 545-5267
Grades: 6-8
| 530 students
Rank: #66.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1000 Ky 3439d
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2832
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2832
Grades: PK-5
| 311 students
Rank: #77.
Knox County Day Treatment
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
135 Wall St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Grades: 6-12
| 21 students
Rank: #88.
Flat Lick Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
110 Kentucky 3085
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2836
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2836
Grades: PK-5
| 171 students
Rank: #99.
Girdler Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
5452 N Ky 11
Girdler, KY 40943
(606) 645-2838
Girdler, KY 40943
(606) 645-2838
Grades: PK-5
| 276 students
Rank: #1010.
Dewitt Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
138 Ky 718
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2834
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2834
Grades: PK-5
| 141 students
Rank: #1111.
Knox Appalachian School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1909 Ky Hwy 3439
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Grades: 5-12
| 26 students
Knox County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
180 Church Street
Artemus, KY 40903
(606) 546-4459
Artemus, KY 40903
(606) 546-4459
Grades: K-6
| 108 students
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3144
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3144
Grades: PK-6
| 351 students
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Grades: 7-12
| 285 students
Knox Inspire Academy (Closed 2024)
Alternative School
200 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Grades: K-12
| 36 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Knox County, KY?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Knox County, KY include G R Hampton Elementary School, Jesse D Lay Elementary School and Knox County Learning Academy.
How many public elementary schools are located in Knox County?
11 public elementary schools are located in Knox County.
What is the racial composition of students in Knox County?
Knox County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public elementary schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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