Summary:
The schools in Harlan County, Kentucky serve students from elementary through high school, with 8 elementary schools and 1 high school in the district. The data reveals a mix of high-performing and struggling schools, with some standouts like Cawood Elementary School and Green Hills Elementary School consistently ranking among the top in the county and state. However, other schools face challenges in meeting academic benchmarks.
Cawood Elementary and Green Hills Elementary are two of the highest-performing schools in the district, earning 4 or 5-star ratings from SchoolDigger and demonstrating strong proficiency in mathematics, reading, and other subjects. In contrast, James A. Cawood Elementary, despite having the highest spending per student, does not outperform the other top-performing schools. This suggests that factors beyond funding, such as targeted interventions and support, may be more critical in driving student success.
Across the district, the data reveals high rates of chronic absenteeism and free or reduced-price lunch recipients, indicating significant economic challenges faced by the student population. While the high school maintains a strong 93.5% graduation rate, the district as a whole must address these disparities and work to replicate the practices of the standout schools to ensure all students in Harlan County have access to a high-quality education.
Thank you for your feedback!