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 4 public elementary schools serving 1,429 students in Russell Independent School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public elementary schools in Kentucky.
Public Elementary Schools in Russell Independent School District have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the Kentucky public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is less than the Kentucky public elementary school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (KY)
# Schools
5 Schools
1,082 Schools
# Students
2,048 Students
447,292 Students
# Teachers
135 Teachers
30,346 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
0.47
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
2%
% Hispanic
2%
9%
% Black
1%
11%
% White
91%
72%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
6%
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 Elementary 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-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: #33.
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: #44.
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%
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.