For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,606 students in Carter County, KY.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Carter County, KY are Olive Hill Elementary School, Tygart Creek Elementary School and Prichard Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter County, KY public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Kentucky public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 45% statewide average). Elementary schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public elementary school average of 30% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Carter County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Olive Hill Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
825 E Tom T Hall Blvd
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5385
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5385
Gr: PK-5 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Tygart Creek Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
19743 W Us Hwy 60
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-2110
Gr: PK-5 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Prichard Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 E Main St
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-8815
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-8815
Gr: PK-5 | 612 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
West Carter Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
150 Warrior Drive
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5354
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-5354
Gr: 6-8 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #55.
East Carter Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1 Spirit Lane
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5156
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5156
Gr: 6-8 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
Heritage Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4863 S State Hwy 1
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5784
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-5784
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #77.
Carter Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
372 West Carter Dr.
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Olive Hill, KY 41164
(606) 286-4022
Gr: K-12 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 47:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Carter County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
13321 State Hwy 2
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-6121
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-6121
Gr: PK-5 | 117 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Carter County, KY?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Carter County, KY include Olive Hill Elementary School, Tygart Creek Elementary School and Prichard Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Carter County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Carter County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public elementary schools average of 30% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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