For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,166 students in Knox County, KY.
The top-ranked public preschools 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 preschools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Kentucky public pre school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Knox County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Kentucky public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public preschool average of 25% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Knox County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
G R Hampton Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
60 Ky 3441
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2840
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2840
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
Jesse D Lay Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
220 N Allison Ave
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2849
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2849
Gr: PK-5 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Barbourville City School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: PK-12 | 755 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #44.
Dewitt Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
138 Ky 718
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2834
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2834
Gr: PK-5 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #55.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1000 Ky 3439d
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2832
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2832
Gr: PK-5 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #66.
Flat Lick Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | 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
Gr: PK-5 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #77.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Knox County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
180 Church Street
Artemus, KY 40903
(606) 546-4459
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
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3144
Gr: PK-6 | 351 students Minority enrollment: 3%
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: 7-12 | 285 students Minority enrollment: 2%
Knox Inspire Academy (Closed 2024)
Alternative School
200 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Gr: K-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Knox County, KY?
The top-ranked public preschools in Knox County, KY include G R Hampton Elementary School, Jesse D Lay Elementary School and Barbourville City School.
How many public preschools are located in Knox County?
7 public preschools are located in Knox County.
What is the racial composition of students in Knox County?
Knox County public preschools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public preschools average of 25% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.