Mercer County Schools & Education
Mercer County, Kentucky
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
69/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
96.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
96.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,215
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,894
School Score
69/100
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
#22
of 120 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Mercer County
School Verdict
Mercer County performs at an average level with a school score of 69/100 and a solid graduation rate of 96.1%.
Funding Context
At $7,215 per pupil, Mercer County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Mercer County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 21% above the Kentucky average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 2.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 5% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Mercer County, Kentucky
A Diverse Mix of Town and Rural Schools
Mercer County supports 3,216 students across 8 public schools, managed by two distinct districts. The system includes two elementary, one middle, and four high school programs to meet varied community needs.
High Performance and Strong Investment
The county delivers a 96.1% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. Local investment remains strong with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,215, resulting in a school score of 57.2 that exceeds the state median.
Dual Districts Serving the Community
Mercer County is the primary district with 2,721 students, followed by the Burgin Independent district which serves 495 students. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the schools are traditional public or alternative institutions.
Centrally Located Schools with Town Character
Six schools are located in town settings while two remain rural, with an average enrollment of 459 students. Mercer County Senior High is the largest with 731 students, nearly equaled by Mercer County Elementary's 730-student population.
Choose Your District in Mercer County
Homebuyers can choose between the larger county system or the smaller Burgin Independent district when relocating here. With graduation rates near the top of the state, any home in this area is a smart move for education-minded families.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Mercer County
Total Enrollment
3,216
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 Mercer County
Mercer County
Burgin Independent
8 Public Schools in Mercer County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Senior High School | Mercer County | 9–12 | High | 731 |
| Mercer County Elementary School | Mercer County | PK–2 | Primary | 730 |
| Kenneth D. King Middle School | Mercer County | 6–8 | Middle | 610 |
| Mercer County Intermediate School | Mercer County | 3–5 | Primary | 593 |
| Burgin Independent School | Burgin Independent | PK–12 | Other | 495 |
| Mercer Central | Mercer County | 9–12 | Alternative | 45 |
| Mercer County Day Treatment | Mercer County | 6–12 | Alternative | 12 |
| Trailblazer Academy | Kentucky Tech System | 8–12 | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,215
State avg $6,894
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Mercer County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Mercer County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Mercer County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Mercer County?
How much does Mercer County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Mercer County, Kentucky — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Mercer County, Kentucky?
Mercer County supports 3,216 students across 8 public schools, managed by two distinct districts. The system includes two elementary, one middle, and four high school programs to meet varied community needs.
How do schools in Mercer County perform academically?
The county delivers a 96.1% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. Local investment remains strong with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,215, resulting in a school score of 57.2 that exceeds the state median.
What are the major school districts in Mercer County, Kentucky?
Mercer County is the primary district with 2,721 students, followed by the Burgin Independent district which serves 495 students. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the schools are traditional public or alternative institutions.
What is the school experience like in Mercer County?
Six schools are located in town settings while two remain rural, with an average enrollment of 459 students. Mercer County Senior High is the largest with 731 students, nearly equaled by Mercer County Elementary's 730-student population.
How can I find homes near good schools in Mercer County, Kentucky?
Homebuyers can choose between the larger county system or the smaller Burgin Independent district when relocating here. With graduation rates near the top of the state, any home in this area is a smart move for education-minded 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.