Harlan County Schools & Education
Harlan County, Kentucky
School Score
46/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,682
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,894
School Score
46/100
Higher = better
State avg 57/100
State School Rank
#97
of 120 counties (1 = best)
Explore Harlan County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Harlan County, Kentucky
Comprehensive Town-Centered Education
Harlan County provides 14 public schools for 4,271 students, managed by two distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes nine elementary schools and two high schools, emphasizing early education and graduation preparation.
Strong Graduation Success in the Mountains
Harlan County's 91.6% graduation rate is significantly higher than the national 87% average. The county spends $6,682 per pupil, maintaining a competitive school score of 53.7 against state benchmarks.
Harlan County and Harlan Independent Districts
Harlan County district serves 3,442 students across 11 schools, while the Independent district serves 829 students. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's academic focus on its two established local districts.
Town Staples and Rural Outposts
Ten of the county's schools are located in town centers, while four serve rural areas with an average size of 356 students. Harlan County High is the largest facility, providing a central hub for nearly 1,000 secondary students.
Invest in a Home Near Respected Schools
Families can find high-quality education and a sense of community in Harlan County's town-based school system. Explore local listings to find a home that puts your children within reach of these high-performing districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
14
in Harlan County
Total Enrollment
4,271
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Harlan County
Harlan County
Harlan Independent
14 Public Schools in Harlan County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlan County High School | Harlan County | 9–12 | High | 997 |
| Cumberland Elementary School | Harlan County | PK–8 | Primary | 449 |
| Harlan High School | Harlan Independent | 5–12 | High | 391 |
| Wallins Elementary School | Harlan County | PK–8 | Primary | 386 |
| Rosspoint Elementary School | Harlan County | KG–8 | Primary | 354 |
| Harlan Elementary School | Harlan Independent | KG–4 | Primary | 345 |
| Evarts Elementary School | Harlan County | PK–8 | Primary | 340 |
| James A. Cawood Elementary | Harlan County | PK–8 | Primary | 307 |
| Black Mountain Elementary School | Harlan County | PK–8 | Primary | 280 |
| Cawood Elementary School | Harlan County | PK–8 | Primary | 205 |
| Green Hills Elementary School | Harlan County | PK–8 | Primary | 124 |
| Sunshine School | Harlan Independent | PK | Other | 93 |
| Cumberland Tech - Harlan Campus | Harlan County | UG | Vocational | 0 |
| Kentucky TECH - Harlan Regional Tech Ctr | Harlan County | UG | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,682
State avg $6,894
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Harlan County, Kentucky — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Harlan County, Kentucky?
Harlan County provides 14 public schools for 4,271 students, managed by two distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes nine elementary schools and two high schools, emphasizing early education and graduation preparation.
How do schools in Harlan County perform academically?
Harlan County's 91.6% graduation rate is significantly higher than the national 87% average. The county spends $6,682 per pupil, maintaining a competitive school score of 53.7 against state benchmarks.
What are the major school districts in Harlan County, Kentucky?
Harlan County district serves 3,442 students across 11 schools, while the Independent district serves 829 students. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's academic focus on its two established local districts.
What is the school experience like in Harlan County?
Ten of the county's schools are located in town centers, while four serve rural areas with an average size of 356 students. Harlan County High is the largest facility, providing a central hub for nearly 1,000 secondary students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Harlan County, Kentucky?
Families can find high-quality education and a sense of community in Harlan County's town-based school system. Explore local listings to find a home that puts your children within reach of these high-performing districts.
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.