Jefferson County Schools & Education
Jefferson County, Kentucky
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
45/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,382
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,894
School Score
45/100
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
#99
of 120 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Jefferson County
School Verdict
Jefferson County has average school quality (score: 45/100) with a graduation rate of 84.0%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
Jefferson County spends $8,382 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Jefferson County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 21% below the Kentucky average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 9.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 22% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Kentucky's Largest Educational Hub in Jefferson County
Jefferson County hosts a massive educational infrastructure with 170 public schools serving 95,647 students. The landscape is dominated by 94 elementary schools, 35 high schools, and 18 specialized facilities. This is the state's largest school network, managed by three distinct districts to handle the immense student population.
Significant Investment Amidst Urban Challenges
Jefferson County leads the state in investment with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,382, far exceeding the Kentucky average of $6,894. However, the graduation rate of 84.0% trails the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 93.8%. The county maintains a school score of 53.4, reflecting the complex needs of a massive urban and suburban student body.
Jefferson County Public Schools and Beyond
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is the primary district, managing 168 schools and over 95,000 students. The county also includes the prestigious Anchorage Independent district and the Kentucky School for the Blind. Despite the scale, there are no charter schools, keeping the focus on a diverse array of traditional and specialized public campuses.
A Diverse Mix of City and Suburban Learning
The county features 138 schools in city locales and 32 in suburban settings, providing a truly urban educational experience. Marion C. Moore School is the largest campus with 2,320 students, and the average school size is 573 students. This variety allows families to choose between massive high school environments and specialized schools of innovation.
Discover Homes in Kentucky's Top Districts
Jefferson County offers an unparalleled variety of educational programs, from urban magnets to elite suburban independents like Anchorage. High per-pupil spending ensures access to unique resources that are a major draw for metro-area homebuyers. Start exploring local neighborhoods to find a home near one of these diverse educational institutions.
School Overview
Total Schools
170
in Jefferson County
Total Enrollment
95,647
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Jefferson County
Jefferson County
Anchorage Independent
Kentucky School for the Blind District
170 Public Schools in Jefferson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion C. Moore School | Jefferson County | 6–12 | High | 2,320 |
| Eastern High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 2,036 |
| Pathfinder School of Innovation | Jefferson County | KG–12 | Alternative | 2,030 |
| Ballard High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 2,014 |
| Louisville Male High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,991 |
| duPont Manual High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,929 |
| Fern Creek High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,688 |
| Pleasure Ridge Park High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,517 |
| Atherton High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,461 |
| Butler Traditional High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,421 |
| Southern High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,387 |
| Fairdale High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,386 |
| Noe Middle | Jefferson County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,347 |
| Seneca High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,309 |
| Central High Magnet Career Academy | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,220 |
| Westport Middle | Jefferson County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,177 |
| Stuart Academy | Jefferson County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,105 |
| Iroquois High | Jefferson County | 9–12 | High | 1,090 |
| Farnsley Middle | Jefferson County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,038 |
| Crosby Middle | Jefferson County | 6–8 | Middle | 1,016 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,382
State avg $6,894
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Jefferson County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Jefferson County?
How much does Jefferson County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Jefferson County, Kentucky?
Jefferson County hosts a massive educational infrastructure with 170 public schools serving 95,647 students. The landscape is dominated by 94 elementary schools, 35 high schools, and 18 specialized facilities. This is the state's largest school network, managed by three distinct districts to handle the immense student population.
How do schools in Jefferson County perform academically?
Jefferson County leads the state in investment with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,382, far exceeding the Kentucky average of $6,894. However, the graduation rate of 84.0% trails the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 93.8%. The county maintains a school score of 53.4, reflecting the complex needs of a massive urban and suburban student body.
What are the major school districts in Jefferson County, Kentucky?
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is the primary district, managing 168 schools and over 95,000 students. The county also includes the prestigious Anchorage Independent district and the Kentucky School for the Blind. Despite the scale, there are no charter schools, keeping the focus on a diverse array of traditional and specialized public campuses.
What is the school experience like in Jefferson County?
The county features 138 schools in city locales and 32 in suburban settings, providing a truly urban educational experience. Marion C. Moore School is the largest campus with 2,320 students, and the average school size is 573 students. This variety allows families to choose between massive high school environments and specialized schools of innovation.
How can I find homes near good schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky?
Jefferson County offers an unparalleled variety of educational programs, from urban magnets to elite suburban independents like Anchorage. High per-pupil spending ensures access to unique resources that are a major draw for metro-area homebuyers. Start exploring local neighborhoods to find a home near one of these diverse educational institutions.
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.