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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Johnson County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 4,078 students in Johnson County, KY (there are 2 private schools, serving 85 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Johnson County, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Johnson County, KY are Highland Elementary School, W R Castle Memorial Elementary School and Johnson Central High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Johnson County, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Johnson County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Johnson County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
649 Us 23 South
Staffordsville, KY 41256
(606) 297-3674
Gr: PK-6 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #22.
W R Castle Memorial Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3936 Us 23 N
Wittensville, KY 41274
(606) 297-3738
Gr: PK-6 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Johnson Central High School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
257 North Mayo Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2500
Gr: 9-12 | 888 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #44.
Johnson County Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
251 N Mayo Tr
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-4133
Gr: 7-8 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Porter Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
7210 Us 321 S
Hagerhill, KY 41222
(606) 789-2545
Gr: PK-6 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #66.
Flat Gap Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1450 Ky Rt 689
Flatgap, KY 41219
(606) 265-3110
Gr: PK-6 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #77.
Paintsville Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
325 2nd St
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2651
Gr: PK-6 | 434 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #88.
Paintsville High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
225 2nd St
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2656
Gr: 7-12 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #99.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1715 Euclid Ave
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2541
Gr: PK-6 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #1010.
Johnson County Eagle Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
257 North Mayo Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-2077
Gr: K-12 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 53:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: n/an/a
Carl D Perkins Comprehensive Rehab Center
Vocational School
5659 Main Street
Thelma, KY 41260
(606) 789-1440
Gr: Inquire with school
Rank: n/an/a
Kentucky Tech - Mayo Regional Tech Center
Vocational School
513 3rd Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-5321
Gr: Inquire with school
Rank: n/an/a
Mayo Technical College
Vocational School
513 Third Street
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-5321
Gr: Inquire with school

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Johnson County, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in Johnson County, KY include Highland Elementary School, W R Castle Memorial Elementary School and Johnson Central High School.
How many public schools are located in Johnson County?
13 public schools are located in Johnson County.
What percentage of students in Johnson County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Johnson County are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Johnson County?
Johnson County public schools minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Johnson County are often viewed compared to one another?

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