Middle Schools in Powell County

Powell County has one listed middle school, Powell County Middle School, serving grades 6–8 and enrolling 418 students. The most important finding for families is that its 2025–2026 proficiency rates were below Kentucky’s in all 10 reported subject-and-grade results: the school averaged 28% proficient, compared with 42% statewide, a 15-point gap.

There is no meaningful top-or-bottom comparison among local schools because Powell County Middle School is the only one listed. Within its results, grade 8 social studies was closest to the state rate, at 30% versus 39%, a 9-point gap; grade 7 reading had the widest gap, at 25% versus 50%, or 25 points. The school’s rates ranged from 15% in grade 7 science to 41% in grade 6 reading. Its overall results were close to those of the Powell County district: the school averaged 28% and the district 27%, with the school at or just above the district in every listed result. As the only listed school, it cannot be ranked against another Powell County middle school.

Results improved overall, though not in every subject. The school’s average rose from 24% in 2024–2025 to 28% in 2025–2026, while the state average fell from 43% to 42%, narrowing the school-state gap from 19 points to 15. Writing and social studies each rose by 12 and 11 points, respectively, while editing and mechanics fell 10 points and grade 7 science fell 1. SchoolDigger’s ranking improved from 306th of 320 schools, in the 4th percentile, in 2024–2025 to 291st of 326, in the 11th percentile, in 2025–2026; its star rating rose from zero to one. For context, the school had 17.6 students per teacher in 2024–2025 and 66% free/reduced lunch eligible (school year 2024–2025). Chronic absenteeism was 39% in 2025–2026, compared with 24% statewide and 37% in the district.