Best Knox County Public Elementary Schools (2025)

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 Barbourville City School. 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 45% (versus the Kentucky public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Knox County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% 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)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
G R Hampton Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
60 Ky 3441
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2840
Gr: PK-5 | 230 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #22.
Jesse D Lay Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
220 N Allison Ave
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2849
Gr: PK-5 | 306 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Barbourville City School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: PK-12 | 731 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #44.
Knox County Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
311 N Main St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 545-5267
Gr: 6-8 | 530 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Dewitt Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
138 Ky 718
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2834
Gr: PK-5 | 141 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #66.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1000 Ky 3439d
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2832
Gr: PK-5 | 311 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Flat Lick Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
110 Kentucky 3085
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2836
Gr: PK-5 | 171 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #88.
Knox County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
135 Wall St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Gr: 6-12 | 48 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #99.
Girdler Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5452 N Ky 11
Girdler, KY 40943
(606) 645-2838
Gr: PK-5 | 276 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Knox Appalachian School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1909 Ky Hwy 3439
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Gr: 5-12 | 26 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Knox County Day Treatment
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
135 Wall St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Gr: 6-12 | 21 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Knox County, KY

Knox County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
180 Church Street
Artemus, KY 40903
(606) 546-4459
Gr: K-6 | 108 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3144
Gr: PK-6 | 351 students Minority enrollment: 3%
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: 7-12 | 285 students Minority enrollment: 2%
200 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Gr: K-12 | 36 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 36:1

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 Barbourville City School.
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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