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 (26-27)

  • 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

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

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%)

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

31%
38%

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

29%
45%

Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data

25-29%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Asian
6%
2%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Hispanic
20%
10%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 34-year historical data

Black
29%
11%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

White
33%
71%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Two or more races
12%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
67%
0.76

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

(22-23)
30.3%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
55%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 29-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
3%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data

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.

School Reviews

Review Southern Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • 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

Quick Links