For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 1,357 students in Knox County, KY.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Knox County, KY are Barbourville City School, Knox County Middle School and Knox County Learning Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Knox County, KY public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Kentucky public middle school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in Knox County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Kentucky public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public middle school average of 26% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Knox County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Barbourville City School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: PK-12 | 731 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Knox County Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
311 N Main St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 545-5267
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 545-5267
Gr: 6-8 | 530 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Knox County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
135 Wall St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Gr: 6-12 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Knox Appalachian School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1909 Ky Hwy 3439
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Gr: 5-12 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Knox County Day Treatment
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
135 Wall St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Gr: 6-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: n/an/a
Barbourville Learning Center
Alternative School
140 School Street
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3120
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3120
Gr: 7-12 | 1 student
Rank: n/an/a
Knox County Area Technology Center
Vocational School
210 Wall Street
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-5310
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-5310
Gr: 8-12
Knox County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
180 Church Street
Artemus, KY 40903
(606) 546-4459
Artemus, KY 40903
(606) 546-4459
Gr: K-6 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3144
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3144
Gr: PK-6 | 351 students Minority enrollment: 3%
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: 7-12 | 285 students Minority enrollment: 2%
Knox Inspire Academy (Closed 2024)
Alternative School
200 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Gr: K-12 | 36 students Student-teacher ratio: 36:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Knox County, KY?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Knox County, KY include Barbourville City School, Knox County Middle School and Knox County Learning Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Knox County?
7 public middle schools are located in Knox County.
What is the racial composition of students in Knox County?
Knox County public middle schools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public middle schools average of 26% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
School Supply Budget 2026: Fees, Books, Tech Costs
School Supply Budget 2026 guide for parents, covering fees, textbooks, technology, and hidden extras to plan ahead.
Education Funding in America (2025 Update)
Comprehensive 2025 update on public school funding in America, new federal and state policies, per-pupil spending, and equity challenges.