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High school is one of the most important moments in our children’s lives because it offers them valuable experiences and prepares them for college. That’s why choosing the best high school is essential to ensure them a bright future. So, as a parent, you should consider a few factors when analyzing the high school offers in Kentucky. 

For example, you could examine the kids’ academic development but also remember the family’s practical needs. Of course, the school program offerings, costs, and extracurricular activities are essential. Therefore, it’s recommended that you discuss these with your kids and consider their preferences as well, but make the final decision together. 

Having a list of the high schools in Kentucky will help you make the right decision, so here are some of the best programs.

Dupont Manual High School 

Dupont Manual High School is considered a leader in the Kentucky high school rankings. It has dominant grades on college readiness, proficiency, and graduation. Students in the school are well-prepared in mathematics, reading, and science, making almost all of them prepared for college.

The institution is part of the Blue-Ribbon School program and is, therefore, recognized as an exemplary public organization. Since it’s also a magnet school, it accepts students with diversity in mind. The application is based on test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. 

Although it’s a great school, the environment is quite relaxed and welcoming. For example, the school dress code policy only asks students not to wear revealing or distracting pieces. Otherwise, the universal dress code includes tops and bottoms up to the student’s liking. Therefore, students can wear something interesting if that’s part of their personality, even if it’s a Deadpool backpack, especially with the success of the movie.

Graham Brown High School

Graham Brown High School is second in Kentucky, but that doesn’t mean it’s less efficient. It’s got impressive rankings in college readiness and state assessment performance, as well as a leading graduation rate rank.

The diversity in the school has made programs of free or reduced-price lunches available for economically disadvantaged students, contributing to a friendly environment. Subject proficiency in mathematics, reading, and science is also significant compared to other districts and states. 

The graduation rate is 100%, so every J. Graham Brown School student will be ensured a safe place in college. All performances, from elementary to middle school, are well above expectations in reading and math. 

Highlands High School

The third option on the list is Highlands High School. Even if it’s not the first choice, it still has great student results. For example, it’s fourth in the state in terms of college readiness and second in college curriculum breath rate. 

You might want to consider enrollment due to the lack of diversity here. About 90% of students are White, with only 10% being part of a minority enrollment. However, those who are economically disadvantaged receive free or reduced lunch programs. 

Regardless, the proficiency in mathematics and reading is considerable. However, science has been noticed to rank lower among them. Still, the graduation rate is 98%, meaning it’s well above the state medium.

Atherton High School  

Atherton High School is ranked third in college readiness in the state but eleventh in the college curriculum breadth index. Overall, the ranking factors show a slight decline compared to the top three high schools and lower subject proficiency in mathematics and science.

However, the school benefits from increased diversity compared to Highlands High School, for example, having about 35% minority enrollment. At the same time, the school accepts more economically disadvantaged students, almost all of whom receive free lunches. 

The public school is the only one in Louisville that offers students the possibility of enrolling in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. 

Beechwood High School

The following institution is Beechwood High School, ranked sixth in the state regarding college readiness and 72nd in state assessment performance. Although it’s less popular, it has only 14% minority enrollment and the same number of economically disadvantaged students. 

The college readiness index is 53.1/100, with students struggling most with science, but mathematics and reading are similar to Atherton High School. At the same time, the tests show a significant proficiency distribution, mostly to the third and fourth levels. 

Despite these statistics, the state assessment scores compared to other states are somewhat above expectations, as more than 80% of 12th-grade students aced an exam of the Advanced Placement® (AP®) Student Performance. 

What are the challenges that schools in Kentucky face? 

Global education systems are facing significant changes in student engagement and curriculum, and Kentucky is no stranger to provocations. For example, teachers have stated that the lack of educational tools impacts the student-learning dynamic. At the same time, the general lack of internet access in schools and school funding seems to impede students’ abilities to excel at studying. 

Unfortunately, many students live in unproper housing, especially in southern Kentucky, where many are displaced by flooding and wildfires. Teachers consider the government should be more wary of these students’ accessibility to education, especially when the state is faced with a strained workforce. 

At the same time, the current number of teachers in the education industry is not sustaining the student’s needs, as many flee to other states where the job application process is more efficient, and teacher scholarship programs are useful. Teacher salaries should also be increased, especially since more professors are looking for mentoring programs and classes through which they can improve their skills.

What’s your take on the Kentucky educational system? 

The worldwide educational system is facing troubles, but parents still need to choose the schools that better represent themselves and can help kids build themselves a secure future. That’s why getting through the high school agendas is so important because this stage of life prepares children the most for the college experience. The Dupont Manual High School is considered to be the best in the state, whereas Beechwood High School has lower rankings.