For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,203 students in Harlan, KY (there are , serving 40 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Harlan, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Harlan, KY are Harlan Elementary School, Harlan High School and James A. Cawood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Harlan, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Harlan have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Harlan, KY (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Harlan Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8715
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8715
Gr: K-4 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Harlan High School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
420 E Central St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8750
Gr: 5-12 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
James A. Cawood Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
279 Ball Park Rd
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Gr: PK-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: n/an/a
Cumberland Tech - Harlan Campus
Vocational School
164 Ballpark Road
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-1506
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-1506
Gr: Inquire with school
Rank: n/an/a
Kentucky Tech - Harlan Regional Tech Center
Vocational School
164 Ball Park Road
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-1506
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-1506
Gr: Inquire with school
Rank: n/an/a
304 Surgener St
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8714
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-8714
Gr: PK | 119 students Student-teacher ratio: 119:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Harlan, Kentucky Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
279 Ball Park Rd
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Harlan, KY 40831
(606) 573-5029
Gr: 9-12 | 668 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Harlan, KY?
The top ranked public schools in Harlan, KY include Harlan Elementary School, Harlan High School and James A. Cawood Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Harlan?
6 public schools are located in Harlan.
What percentage of students in Harlan go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Harlan are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Harlan?
Harlan public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.