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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Nelson County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 2,185 students in Nelson County, KY.
The top-ranked public high schools in Nelson County, KY are Bardstown High School, Bardstown Alternative School and Thomas Nelson High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nelson County, KY public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Kentucky public high school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 44% statewide average). High schools in Nelson County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public high schools.
Nelson County, KY public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the Kentucky average of 92%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Bardstown High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Kentucky or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public high school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Nelson County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bardstown High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
400 N 5th St
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8802
Gr: 9-12 | 703 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Bardstown Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1345 Templin Av
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8829
Gr: K-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #33.
Thomas Nelson High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
150 Generals Blvd
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-4650
Gr: 9-12 | 629 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Nelson County High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1070 Bloomfield Rd
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7010
Gr: 9-12 | 756 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
The Academy At Horizons
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
304 Wildcat Lane
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7045
Gr: K-12 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
Heartland Youth Village
Alternative School
1013 Granite Drive
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 849-3440
Gr: 6-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
The Up Center
Vocational School
1060 Bloomfield Rd.
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Gr: 6-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Nelson County, KY?
The top-ranked public high schools in Nelson County, KY include Bardstown High School, Bardstown Alternative School and Thomas Nelson High School.
How many public high schools are located in Nelson County?
7 public high schools are located in Nelson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Nelson County?
Nelson County public high schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public high schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Nelson County are often viewed compared to one another?

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