Southwestern High School is a public high school in Somerset, Kentucky. Operated by Pulaski County Schools, Southwestern opened its doors in the fall of 1993 to alleviate crowding at the district's other high school, Pulaski County High School.
Serving 1,203 students in grades 9-12, Southwestern High School ranks in the top 50% 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 48% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 28% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,203 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 30% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southwestern High School's student population of 1,203 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 72 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,203 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
72 teachers
Year Founded
1993
School Rankings
Southwestern High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,267 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwestern High School is 0.26, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#408 out of 1267 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
22%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
6%
10%
Black
2%
11%
White
86%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern High School's ranking?
Southwestern High School is ranked #408 out of 1,267 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Southwestern High School often compared to?
Southwestern High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Russell County High School, Somerset High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southwestern High School?
The graduation rate of Southwestern High School is 94%, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Southwestern High School?
1,203 students attend Southwestern High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Southwestern High School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southwestern High School?
Southwestern High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southwestern High School offer ?
Southwestern High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southwestern High School part of?
Southwestern High School is part of Pulaski County School District.
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