Top Rankings
Russell Independent School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 20%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,048 students in Russell Independent School District. This district's average testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky.
Public Schools in Russell Independent School District have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (KY)
# Schools
5 Schools
1,537 Schools
# Students
2,048 Students
657,239 Students
# Teachers
135 Teachers
43,057 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Russell Independent School District, which is ranked within the top 20% 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 95% has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#23 out of 172 school districts
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
22%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
90%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.16
0.46
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
2%
% Hispanic
2%
10%
% Black
1%
11%
% White
91%
72%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $12,975 in this school district is less than the state median of $14,242. The school district revenue/student has grown by 8% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $14,164 is higher than the state median of $13,981. The school district spending/student has grown by 8% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$27 MM
$9,360 MM
Spending
$29 MM
$9,189 MM
Revenue / Student
$12,975
$14,242
Spending / Student
$14,164
$13,981
Best Russell Independent School District Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Russell Primary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
710 Red Devil Lane
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-0007
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-0007
Gr: PK-2 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Russell High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
709 Red Devil Lane
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-9658
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-9658
Gr: 9-12 | 619 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Russell-mcdowell Intermediate School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1900 Long Street
Flatwoods, KY 41139
(606) 836-8186
Flatwoods, KY 41139
(606) 836-8186
Gr: 3-5 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Russell Independent Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
705 Red Devil Lane
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-1256
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-1256
Gr: 5-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #55.
Russell Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
707 Red Devil Lane
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-8135
Russell, KY 41169
(606) 836-8135
Gr: 6-8 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Russell Independent School District?
Russell Independent School District manages 5 public schools serving 2,048 students.
What is the rank of Russell Independent School District?
Russell Independent School District is ranked #23 out of 171 school districts in Kentucky (top 20%) 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 overall rank (Top 20%), Highest math proficiency (Top 20%) and Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)
What is the racial composition of students in Russell Independent School District?
91% of Russell Independent School District students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Russell Independent School District?
Russell Independent School District has a student/teacher ratio of 15:1, which is equal to the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What is Russell Independent School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $14,164 is higher than the state median of $13,981. The school district spending/student has grown by 8% over four school years.
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.