For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 2,238 students in Shelby County, KY.
The top-ranked public high schools in Shelby County, KY are Ascension Academy, Martha Layne Collins High School and Shelby County High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, KY public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Kentucky public high school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 44% statewide average). High schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public high schools.
Shelby County, KY public high school have a Graduation Rate of 90%, which is less than the Kentucky average of 92%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Martha Layne Collins High School, with 90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Kentucky or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Kentucky public high school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Shelby County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ascension Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1361 Frankfort Rd.
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 647-4677
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 647-4677
Gr: 7-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Martha Layne Collins High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
801 Discovery Blvd
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 647-1160
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 647-1160
Gr: 9-12 | 1,157 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Shelby County High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1701 Frankfort Rd
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 633-2344
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 633-2344
Gr: 9-12 | 1,003 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: n/an/a
1361 Frankfort Road
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(859) 201-2853
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(859) 201-2853
Gr: 6-12 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 82:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: n/an/a
Shelby County Area Technology Center
Vocational School
230 Rocket Lane
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 633-6554
Shelbyville, KY 40065
(502) 633-6554
Gr: 8-12
Rank: n/an/a
1155 West Main Street
Shelbyville, KY 40066
(502) 633-2375
Shelbyville, KY 40066
(502) 633-2375
Gr: K-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Shelby County, KY?
The top-ranked public high schools in Shelby County, KY include Ascension Academy, Martha Layne Collins High School and Shelby County High School.
How many public high schools are located in Shelby County?
5 public high schools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public high schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Kentucky public high schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Shelby County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Shelby County include: Martha Layne Collins High School vs. Shelby County High School, Shelby County High School vs. Martha Layne Collins High School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.