Knox County Schools & Education
Knox County, Kentucky
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
62/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
90.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,345
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,894
School Score
62/100
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
#42
of 120 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Knox County
School Verdict
Knox County performs at an average level with a school score of 62/100 and a solid graduation rate of 90.5%.
Funding Context
Knox County spends $8,345 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 Knox County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 9% above the Kentucky average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 3.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 21% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Knox County, Kentucky
A Broad Network for Knox County Youth
Knox County is home to 20 public schools that provide education for 5,410 students across two districts. The infrastructure includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and eight high schools, reflecting a strong emphasis on secondary options. This variety of levels ensures that students have specialized facilities for every stage of their education.
Strong Investment in Student Success
Knox County outpaces the state in education spending with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,345. The graduation rate of 90.5% remains higher than the national average of 87%, showcasing effective results. Furthermore, the county's school score of 56.7 is slightly better than the Kentucky state average of 55.3.
Two Districts Serving a Growing Community
The Knox County district is the primary provider with 15 schools and 3,943 students, while Barbourville Independent serves 692 students. No charter schools are active in the county, meaning all public funds support the traditional district schools. This dual-district system offers families a choice between a larger county network and a smaller independent city school.
Community-Scale Learning in Town Settings
Schools in Knox County average 301 students, offering a scale that allows for personalized attention. Fourteen schools are located in town settings, while six remain in rural areas, providing a balanced geographic mix. Knox Central High School is the largest in the area with 761 students, providing a traditional high school experience.
Invest in a Home Near Quality Schools
With per-pupil spending well above the state average, Knox County demonstrates a clear commitment to its public schools. Families moving to the area can choose between the town-based Barbourville schools or the broader Knox County system. High graduation rates and stable academic scores make this an excellent region for home-buying families.
School Overview
Total Schools
20
in Knox County
Total Enrollment
5,410
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 Knox County
Knox County
Barbourville Independent
20 Public Schools in Knox County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knox Central High School | Knox County | 9–12 | High | 761 |
| Barbourville City School | Barbourville Independent | PK–12 | Other | 685 |
| Corbin Middle School | Corbin Independent | 6–8 | Middle | 646 |
| Lynn Camp Elementary School | Knox County | PK–5 | Primary | 525 |
| Lynn Camp Middle High School | Knox County | 6–12 | High | 465 |
| Knox County Middle School | Knox County | 7–8 | Middle | 429 |
| Central Elementary School | Knox County | PK–6 | Primary | 362 |
| Jesse D Lay Elementary School | Knox County | PK–6 | Primary | 339 |
| Girdler Elementary School | Knox County | PK–6 | Primary | 294 |
| G R Hampton Elementary School | Knox County | PK–6 | Primary | 268 |
| Flat Lick Elementary School | Knox County | PK–6 | Primary | 190 |
| Corbin Preschool | Corbin Independent | PK | Other | 129 |
| Dewitt Elementary School | Knox County | KG–6 | Primary | 127 |
| Knox Inspire Academy | Knox County | KG–12 | Alternative | 69 |
| Knox County Learning Academy | Knox County | 7–12 | Alternative | 58 |
| Knox Appalachian School | Knox County | 5–12 | Alternative | 40 |
| Knox County Day Treatment | Knox County | 6–12 | Alternative | 16 |
| Barbourville Learning Center | Barbourville Independent | 7–12 | Alternative | 7 |
| Knox County Area Technology Center | Kentucky Tech System | 8–12 | Vocational | 0 |
| Knox County Career and Technical Center | Knox County | 9–12 | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,345
State avg $6,894
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Knox County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Knox County?
How much does Knox County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Knox County, Kentucky — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Knox County, Kentucky?
Knox County is home to 20 public schools that provide education for 5,410 students across two districts. The infrastructure includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and eight high schools, reflecting a strong emphasis on secondary options. This variety of levels ensures that students have specialized facilities for every stage of their education.
How do schools in Knox County perform academically?
Knox County outpaces the state in education spending with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,345. The graduation rate of 90.5% remains higher than the national average of 87%, showcasing effective results. Furthermore, the county's school score of 56.7 is slightly better than the Kentucky state average of 55.3.
What are the major school districts in Knox County, Kentucky?
The Knox County district is the primary provider with 15 schools and 3,943 students, while Barbourville Independent serves 692 students. No charter schools are active in the county, meaning all public funds support the traditional district schools. This dual-district system offers families a choice between a larger county network and a smaller independent city school.
What is the school experience like in Knox County?
Schools in Knox County average 301 students, offering a scale that allows for personalized attention. Fourteen schools are located in town settings, while six remain in rural areas, providing a balanced geographic mix. Knox Central High School is the largest in the area with 761 students, providing a traditional high school experience.
How can I find homes near good schools in Knox County, Kentucky?
With per-pupil spending well above the state average, Knox County demonstrates a clear commitment to its public schools. Families moving to the area can choose between the town-based Barbourville schools or the broader Knox County system. High graduation rates and stable academic scores make this an excellent region for home-buying families.
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.