Hardin County Schools & Education
Hardin County, Kentucky
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,298
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,894
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 57/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#115
of 120 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Hardin County
School Verdict
Hardin County faces educational challenges with a school score of 34/100 and a graduation rate of 89.4%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,298 per pupil, Hardin County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Hardin County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 41% below the Kentucky average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 4.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 9% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Hardin County, Kentucky
A Major Educational Hub in Kentucky
Hardin County is home to a massive network of 33 public schools serving 17,140 students across two districts. The landscape includes 16 elementary schools, six middle schools, seven high schools, and four alternative programs.
Strong Outcomes for a Large System
Despite its size, the county maintains an 89.4% graduation rate, beating the national average. While spending $6,298 per pupil is below the state median, the district manages to serve a diverse population effectively.
Hardin County and Elizabethtown Districts
The Hardin County district is one of the state's largest with 14,675 students across 26 schools. Elizabethtown Independent adds a further seven schools and 2,465 students to the mix, with zero charter schools currently operating.
Diverse Urban and Rural Locales
Hardin County offers a rare mix of city, suburban, and rural school settings with an average school size of 536. Central Hardin High is the county's largest school, enrolling 1,914 students in a comprehensive campus environment.
Find Your Perfect Fit in Hardin County
Whether you prefer a city school or a rural campus, Hardin County's diverse options cater to every family's needs. Use the county's strong graduation stats as a guide when exploring homes in this thriving region.
School Overview
Total Schools
33
in Hardin County
Total Enrollment
17,140
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Hardin County
Hardin County
Elizabethtown Independent
33 Public Schools in Hardin County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Hardin High School | Hardin County | 9–12 | High | 1,914 |
| North Hardin High School | Hardin County | 9–12 | High | 1,651 |
| Elizabethtown High School | Elizabethtown Independent | 9–12 | High | 824 |
| G C Burkhead Elementary School | Hardin County | PK–5 | Primary | 811 |
| John Hardin High School | Hardin County | 9–12 | High | 790 |
| East Hardin Middle School | Hardin County | 6–8 | Middle | 780 |
| James T Alton Middle School | Hardin County | 6–8 | Middle | 666 |
| North Park Elementary School | Hardin County | PK–KG | Primary | 609 |
| North Middle School | Hardin County | 6–8 | Middle | 578 |
| Bluegrass Middle School | Hardin County | 6–8 | Middle | 578 |
| Lincoln Trail Elementary School | Hardin County | PK–5 | Primary | 564 |
| Heartland Elementary School | Hardin County | PK–5 | Primary | 559 |
| Talton K Stone Middle School | Elizabethtown Independent | 6–8 | Middle | 545 |
| Woodland Elementary School | Hardin County | 1–5 | Primary | 537 |
| Rineyville Elementary School | Hardin County | PK–5 | Primary | 527 |
| Vine Grove Elementary School | Hardin County | 1–5 | Primary | 511 |
| West Hardin Middle School | Hardin County | 6–8 | Middle | 509 |
| Meadow View Elementary School | Hardin County | KG–5 | Primary | 503 |
| New Highland Elementary School | Hardin County | PK–5 | Primary | 501 |
| Lakewood Elementary School | Hardin County | PK–5 | Primary | 459 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,298
State avg $6,894
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Hardin County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Hardin County?
How much does Hardin County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Hardin County, Kentucky — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Hardin County, Kentucky?
Hardin County is home to a massive network of 33 public schools serving 17,140 students across two districts. The landscape includes 16 elementary schools, six middle schools, seven high schools, and four alternative programs.
How do schools in Hardin County perform academically?
Despite its size, the county maintains an 89.4% graduation rate, beating the national average. While spending $6,298 per pupil is below the state median, the district manages to serve a diverse population effectively.
What are the major school districts in Hardin County, Kentucky?
The Hardin County district is one of the state's largest with 14,675 students across 26 schools. Elizabethtown Independent adds a further seven schools and 2,465 students to the mix, with zero charter schools currently operating.
What is the school experience like in Hardin County?
Hardin County offers a rare mix of city, suburban, and rural school settings with an average school size of 536. Central Hardin High is the county's largest school, enrolling 1,914 students in a comprehensive campus environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Hardin County, Kentucky?
Whether you prefer a city school or a rural campus, Hardin County's diverse options cater to every family's needs. Use the county's strong graduation stats as a guide when exploring homes in this thriving region.
Counties with Similar School Profile
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.