Best 40517 Kentucky Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 5,490 students in 40517, KY (there are 2 private schools, serving 34 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in 40517, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 40517, KY are Southern Middle School, Tates Creek Elementary School and Tates Creek Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 40517 have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 40517, KY have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 40517, KY Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southern Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
400 Wilson-downing Rd
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3582
Gr: 6-8 | 759 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #22.
Tates Creek Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1113 Centre Pkwy
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3606
Gr: PK-5 | 626 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #33.
Tates Creek Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1105 Centre Pkwy
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3052
Gr: 6-8 | 767 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Tates Creek High School
Magnet School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1111 Centre Pkwy
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3620
Gr: 9-12 | 1,723 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Lansdowne Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
336 Redding Rd
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3500
Gr: PK-5 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #66.
Southern Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
340 Wilson Downing Rd
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3589
Gr: PK-5 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #77.
Millcreek Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1212 Reva Ridge Way
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3527
Gr: PK-5 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 40517, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in 40517, KY include Southern Middle School, Tates Creek Elementary School and Tates Creek Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 40517?
7 public schools are located in 40517.
What percentage of students in 40517 go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in 40517 are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 40517?
40517 public schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.

Quick Links