Southern Elementary School

340 Wilson Downing Rd
Lexington, KY 40517
(School attendance zone shown in map)
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 476 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Southern Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 31% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 29% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 476 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 67%
  • : Bottom 50% in KY
  • : 31% (Btm 50%)
  • : 29% (Btm 50%)
  • : 25-29% (Top 50%)
  • : Southern Elementary School serves the southwest part of Lexington, KY, covering an attendance area of approximately 2.1 square miles, with a typical drive to the school taking about 5 to 10 minutes. The average distance from the school to the edge of the zone is 1.1 miles, extending out to a maximum of 2.1 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education

School Overview

Southern Elementary School's student population of 476 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
476 students
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar

School Rankings

Southern Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern Elementary School is 0.76, 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.
This School
State Level (KY)
#994 out of 1250 schools
(Bottom 50%)
31%
38%
29%
45%
25-29%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
2%
Hispanic
20%
10%
Black
29%
11%
White
33%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
12%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
67%
0.76
(22-23)
30.3%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern Elementary School's ranking?
Southern Elementary School is ranked #994 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Southern Elementary School often compared to?
Southern Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sandersville Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
31% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
How many students attend Southern Elementary School?
476 students attend Southern Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Southern Elementary School students are White, 29% of students are Black, 20% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Elementary School?
Southern Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southern Elementary School offer ?
Southern Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southern Elementary School part of?
Southern Elementary School is part of Fayette County School District.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 476 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 67%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 31% (Btm 50%)
  • : 29% (Btm 50%)
  • : 25-29% (Top 50%)
  • : Southern Elementary School serves the southwest part of Lexington, KY, covering an attendance area of approximately 2.1 square miles, with a typical drive to the school taking about 5 to 10 minutes. The average distance from the school to the edge of the zone is 1.1 miles, extending out to a maximum of 2.1 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education

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