High Schools in Shelby County

Shelby County, Kentucky is home to three high schools: Martha Layne Collins High School, Shelby County High School, and Ascension Academy. These schools serve students in grades 9-12 and provide a range of educational opportunities within the Shelby County district.

Among the three schools, Martha Layne Collins High School stands out as the top performer, ranking 135th out of 254 Kentucky high schools in the 2024-2025 school year. This school boasts a strong 93.5% four-year graduation rate, a low 1.1% dropout rate, and generally higher test scores than the Shelby County and Kentucky averages, particularly in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. In contrast, Ascension Academy has the lowest statewide ranking (286th out of 290 Kentucky high schools in 2023-2024) and significantly lower test scores, with 0% proficiency in ACT English, Mathematics, and Reading.

The data also reveals differences in resource allocation, with Martha Layne Collins High School spending the most per student ($12,544) and having the lowest student-teacher ratio (18.7) compared to the other two schools. Additionally, Ascension Academy stands out with an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 4.9, though its academic performance lags behind. Overall, the data suggests that while all three schools have strong graduation rates, Martha Layne Collins High School is the standout performer in the Shelby County area.