Johnson County Schools & Education
Johnson County, Kentucky
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
81/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
97.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
97.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,940
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,894
School Score
81/100
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
#2
of 120 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Johnson County
School Verdict
Johnson County is a high-performing district with a school score of 81/100 and a graduation rate of 97.5%, reflecting strong academic outcomes.
Funding Context
At $7,940 per pupil, Johnson County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Johnson County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 41% above the Kentucky average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.7 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 15% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Johnson County, Kentucky
A Diverse Network for Johnson County Students
Johnson County features 14 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 4,110 students across two distinct districts. The landscape includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, along with five specialized learning centers. This variety provides families with multiple pathways for primary and secondary education.
Leading the State in Graduation Success
Johnson County boasts an impressive 97.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national benchmark of 87%. The county invests $7,940 per pupil, which is higher than the Kentucky average of $6,894. These investments reflect in a school score of 59.5, comfortably beating the state median of 55.3.
Two Districts Serving East Kentucky Families
The Johnson County district is the largest provider with 11 schools and 3,344 students, while Paintsville Independent serves 766 students. No charter schools exist in the county, meaning 100% of the 4,110 students attend traditional public institutions. This dual-district setup allows for both large-scale resources and smaller, independent school environments.
Close-Knit Schools with Town Charm
With an average school size of 411 students, Johnson County offers a more personal learning environment than many neighboring areas. Johnson Central High School is the largest facility with 955 students, while many elementary schools like Porter Elementary serve fewer than 420 children. Most schools are located in town settings, providing easy access for local residents.
Establish Roots Near High-Achieving Districts
Families seeking some of the highest graduation rates in Kentucky will find Johnson County a compelling choice. The strong academic scores and healthy per-pupil spending make the area a standout for education-focused homebuyers. Consider how living near top schools like Johnson Central High can enhance your family's future.
School Overview
Total Schools
14
in Johnson County
Total Enrollment
4,110
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 Johnson County
Johnson County
Paintsville Independent
14 Public Schools in Johnson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson Central High School | Johnson County | 9–12 | High | 955 |
| Johnson County Middle School | Johnson County | 7–8 | Middle | 475 |
| Paintsville Elementary School | Paintsville Independent | PK–6 | Primary | 433 |
| Highland Elementary School | Johnson County | PK–6 | Primary | 419 |
| Porter Elementary School | Johnson County | PK–6 | Primary | 412 |
| W R Castle Memorial Elementary School | Johnson County | PK–6 | Primary | 401 |
| Central Elementary School | Johnson County | PK–6 | Primary | 338 |
| Paintsville High School | Paintsville Independent | 7–12 | High | 333 |
| Flat Gap Elementary School | Johnson County | PK–6 | Primary | 205 |
| Johnson County Eagle Academy | Johnson County | KG–12 | Alternative | 139 |
| Mayo Technical College | Johnson County | UG | Vocational | 0 |
| Carl D Perkins Comprehensive Rehab Ctr | Johnson County | UG | Vocational | 0 |
| Kentucky TECH - Mayo Regional Tech Ctr | Johnson County | UG | Vocational | 0 |
| Tiger Virtual Academy | Paintsville Independent | KG–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,940
State avg $6,894
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Johnson County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Johnson County?
How much does Johnson County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Johnson County, Kentucky — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Johnson County, Kentucky?
Johnson County features 14 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 4,110 students across two distinct districts. The landscape includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, along with five specialized learning centers. This variety provides families with multiple pathways for primary and secondary education.
How do schools in Johnson County perform academically?
Johnson County boasts an impressive 97.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national benchmark of 87%. The county invests $7,940 per pupil, which is higher than the Kentucky average of $6,894. These investments reflect in a school score of 59.5, comfortably beating the state median of 55.3.
What are the major school districts in Johnson County, Kentucky?
The Johnson County district is the largest provider with 11 schools and 3,344 students, while Paintsville Independent serves 766 students. No charter schools exist in the county, meaning 100% of the 4,110 students attend traditional public institutions. This dual-district setup allows for both large-scale resources and smaller, independent school environments.
What is the school experience like in Johnson County?
With an average school size of 411 students, Johnson County offers a more personal learning environment than many neighboring areas. Johnson Central High School is the largest facility with 955 students, while many elementary schools like Porter Elementary serve fewer than 420 children. Most schools are located in town settings, providing easy access for local residents.
How can I find homes near good schools in Johnson County, Kentucky?
Families seeking some of the highest graduation rates in Kentucky will find Johnson County a compelling choice. The strong academic scores and healthy per-pupil spending make the area a standout for education-focused homebuyers. Consider how living near top schools like Johnson Central High can enhance your family's future.
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.