Clay County Schools & Education
Clay County, Kentucky
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,451
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,894
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
State avg 57/100
State School Rank
#114
of 120 counties (1 = best)
Explore Clay County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Clay County, Kentucky
Broad Rural Reach Across Clay County
Clay County supports 2,903 students through a network of 11 public schools, including seven elementary and two high schools. The single school district provides coverage for a wide geographic area with one middle school and one specialized center. This infrastructure focuses heavily on primary education to build a strong foundation for local youth.
Strong Graduation Success Despite Lean Funding
Clay County achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, which sits above the national average of 87.0% but below the Kentucky state average of 93.8%. The district operates with $6,451 in per-pupil expenditure, falling short of both state and national spending benchmarks. However, the county maintains a 51.8 composite school score, showing resilience in academic results.
Unified District Leadership in Manchester
The Clay County school district manages 10 of the county's schools, centralizing all administrative and academic resources. Charter schools have zero presence in this region, representing 0.0% of the educational landscape. This traditional public model ensures that the single district remains the cornerstone of the community.
Small Rural Schools with Hub Activity
With eight schools in rural locales and three in town settings, the county averages a modest 290 students per school. Clay County High School is the largest institution with 717 students, while Paces Creek Elementary provides a smaller environment with 283 students. This mix offers families a choice between town-centered learning and quiet rural campuses.
Find a Home in a Community-Focused District
If you value a small-town school atmosphere with high graduation rates, Clay County is a compelling choice. Homebuyers can find properties nestled in rural landscapes that remain connected to the centralized district schools. Consider the local school quality as you research your next home in this tight-knit community.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in Clay County
Total Enrollment
2,903
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Clay County
Clay County
11 Public Schools in Clay County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clay County High School | Clay County | 9–12 | High | 717 |
| Clay County Middle School | Clay County | 7–8 | Middle | 407 |
| Manchester Elementary School | Clay County | PK–6 | Primary | 388 |
| Burning Springs Elementary | Clay County | PK–6 | Primary | 303 |
| Paces Creek Elementary | Clay County | KG–6 | Primary | 283 |
| Hacker Elementary School | Clay County | PK–6 | Primary | 265 |
| Goose Rock Elementary | Clay County | PK–6 | Primary | 211 |
| Big Creek Elementary | Clay County | PK–6 | Primary | 140 |
| Oneida Elementary School | Clay County | PK–6 | Primary | 116 |
| Horse Creek Learning Center | Clay County | 3–12 | Alternative | 73 |
| Clay County Area Technology Center | Kentucky Tech System | 8–12 | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,451
State avg $6,894
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clay County, Kentucky — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clay County, Kentucky?
Clay County supports 2,903 students through a network of 11 public schools, including seven elementary and two high schools. The single school district provides coverage for a wide geographic area with one middle school and one specialized center. This infrastructure focuses heavily on primary education to build a strong foundation for local youth.
How do schools in Clay County perform academically?
Clay County achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, which sits above the national average of 87.0% but below the Kentucky state average of 93.8%. The district operates with $6,451 in per-pupil expenditure, falling short of both state and national spending benchmarks. However, the county maintains a 51.8 composite school score, showing resilience in academic results.
What are the major school districts in Clay County, Kentucky?
The Clay County school district manages 10 of the county's schools, centralizing all administrative and academic resources. Charter schools have zero presence in this region, representing 0.0% of the educational landscape. This traditional public model ensures that the single district remains the cornerstone of the community.
What is the school experience like in Clay County?
With eight schools in rural locales and three in town settings, the county averages a modest 290 students per school. Clay County High School is the largest institution with 717 students, while Paces Creek Elementary provides a smaller environment with 283 students. This mix offers families a choice between town-centered learning and quiet rural campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clay County, Kentucky?
If you value a small-town school atmosphere with high graduation rates, Clay County is a compelling choice. Homebuyers can find properties nestled in rural landscapes that remain connected to the centralized district schools. Consider the local school quality as you research your next home in this tight-knit community.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.