Letcher County Central High School is a public high school containing grades 9–12 in the southeastern city Ermine of Letcher County, Kentucky, United States, about 15 miles from the Virginia border. The school opened in 2005 with its first graduating class in 2006.
Serving 692 students in grades 9-12, Letcher County Central High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 692 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 3%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Letcher County Central High School's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Whitesburg, KY, encompassing approximately 314 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 11.8 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 22.8 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Letcher County Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Letcher County Central High School's student population of 692 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
692 students
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Year Founded
2005
Campus Size
35 acres with private housing adjacent
School Rankings
Letcher County Central High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Letcher County Central High School is 0.06, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#270 out of 1250 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
1%
10%
Black
1%
11%
White
97%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)64.2%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Cougar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Letcher County Central High School's ranking?
Letcher County Central High School is ranked #270 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Kentucky.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Letcher County Central High School?
The graduation rate of Letcher County Central High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Letcher County Central High School?
692 students attend Letcher County Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Letcher County Central High School students are White, 1% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Letcher County Central High School?
Letcher County Central High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Letcher County Central High School offer ?
Letcher County Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Letcher County Central High School part of?
Letcher County Central High School is part of Letcher County School District.
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