Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, also known as Dunbar High School, is a public high school located at 1600 Man o' War Boulevard on the southwest side of Lexington, Kentucky, United States. The school is one of six high schools in the Fayette County Public Schools district. The school was opened in 1990.
Serving 1,828 students in grades 9-12, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 43% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 58% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,828 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Btm 50% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 58% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Paul Laurence Dunbar High School serves the western part of its district in Lexington, KY, covering an area of approximately 45.1 square miles. Most students live within a typical driving distance of 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 7.4 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School's student population of 1,828 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 103 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,828 students
Total Classroom Teachers
103 teachers
Year Founded
1990
School Calendar
School Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar 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 Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is 0.72, which is more 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
#266 out of 1250 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Asian
11%
2%
Hispanic
31%
10%
Black
14%
11%
White
40%
71%
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
91.4%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)36.9%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Red
School Mascot
Bulldogs
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar High School's ranking?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is ranked #266 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Paul Laurence Dunbar High School often compared to?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lafayette High School, Henry Clay High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 58% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
The graduation rate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is 90%, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 91.4%.
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
1,828 students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School students are White, 31% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 11% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar High School offer ?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Paul Laurence Dunbar High School part of?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is part of Fayette County School District.
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