Top Rankings
Harlan Independent School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 10%)
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 10%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 920 students in Harlan Independent School District. This district's average testing ranking is 8/10, which is in the top 30% of public schools in Kentucky.
Public Schools in Harlan Independent School District have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (KY)
# Schools
3 Schools
1,537 Schools
# Students
920 Students
657,239 Students
# Teachers
50 Teachers
43,057 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
18:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Harlan Independent School District, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 171 school districts in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 75% has decreased from 90% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#56 out of 172 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
22%
Graduation Rate
75%
90%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.25
0.46
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
2%
10%
% Black
3%
11%
% White
87%
72%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $10,684 in this school district is less than the state median of $14,242. The school district revenue/student has declined by 23% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $10,548 is less than the state median of $13,981. The school district spending/student has declined by 23% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$10 MM
$9,360 MM
Spending
$10 MM
$9,189 MM
Revenue / Student
$10,684
$14,242
Spending / Student
$10,548
$13,981
Best Harlan Independent School District Public Schools (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: 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%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Harlan Independent School District?
Harlan Independent School District manages 3 public schools serving 920 students.
What is the rank of Harlan Independent School District?
Harlan Independent School District is ranked #51 out of 171 school districts in Kentucky (top 30%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year. This district ranks in the top 20% of Kentucky school districts for: Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 10%) and Highest science proficiency (Top 10%)
What is the racial composition of students in Harlan Independent School District?
87% of Harlan Independent School District students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Harlan Independent School District?
Harlan Independent School District has a student/teacher ratio of 18:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What is Harlan Independent School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $10,548 is less than the state median of $13,981. The school district spending/student has declined by 23% over four school years.
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.