Atherton High School is a public school in the Highlands district of Louisville, Kentucky, United States, and is part of the Jefferson County Public School district. It opened in 1924 as J.M. Atherton High School for Girls at 1418 Morton Avenue.
Serving 1,466 students in grades 9-12, Atherton High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 64% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,466 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 50% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 64% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 25% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Atherton High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Atherton High School's student population of 1,466 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 81 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,466 students
Total Classroom Teachers
81 teachers
Year Founded
1924
Colors
Maroon, Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
May the motto of scholarship, service, and self-respect be the legacy for all who pass through J. M. Atherton High School.
School Rankings
Atherton High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Atherton High School is 0.56, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#280 out of 1250 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
2%
Hispanic
8%
10%
Black
18%
11%
White
63%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Atherton High School is a public school in the Highlands district of Louisville, Kentucky. It opened in 1923 as J.M. Atherton High School for Girls (at different location). It is named after John McDougal Atherton, a local businessman and politician instrumental in changing Louisville's school system administration from trustees to a board of education.
- Notable alumni: John Yarmuth, Congressman.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atherton High School's ranking?
Atherton High School is ranked #280 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Atherton High School often compared to?
Atherton High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dupont Manual High School, Louisville Male High School, Ballard High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Atherton High School?
The graduation rate of Atherton High School is 93%, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Atherton High School?
1,466 students attend Atherton High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Atherton High School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Atherton High School?
Atherton High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Atherton High School offer ?
Atherton High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Atherton High School part of?
Atherton High School is part of Jefferson County School District.
In what neighborhood is Atherton High School located?
Atherton High School is located in the Hayfield Dundee neighborhood of Louisville, KY.
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