For the 2025-26 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 2,949 students in Letcher County, KY.
The top ranked public schools in Letcher County, KY are Letcher County Central High School, Whitesburg Middle School and Cowan Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Letcher County, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Letcher County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Letcher County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Letcher County Central High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
435 Cougar Dr
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-2339
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-2339
Gr: 9-12 | 706 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #22.
Whitesburg Middle School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
366 Park St
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-2761
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-2761
Gr: 6-8 | 189 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #33.
Cowan Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3125 Hwy 931 S
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-7195
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-7195
Gr: PK-8 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
Fleming Neon Middle School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
50 Second Street
Neon, KY 41840
(606) 855-9042
Neon, KY 41840
(606) 855-9042
Gr: 6-8 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
West Whitesburg Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
330 Park St
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-9538
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-9538
Gr: PK-5 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #66.
Martha Jane Potter Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
55 Kona Dr
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 855-7544
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 855-7544
Gr: PK-5 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #77.
Arlie Boggs Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1099 Hwy 806
Eolia, KY 40826
(606) 633-4654
Eolia, KY 40826
(606) 633-4654
Gr: K-8 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #88.
Jenkins Independent School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
9409 Highway 805
Jenkins, KY 41537
(606) 832-2184
Jenkins, KY 41537
(606) 832-2184
Gr: PK-12 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #99.
Letcher Elementary & Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
160 Lhs Drive
Blackey, KY 41804
(606) 633-2524
Blackey, KY 41804
(606) 633-2524
Gr: K-8 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: n/an/a
Letcher County Alternative Education Center
Alternative School
185 Circle Dr
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-5559
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-5559
Gr: 8-12 | 4 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1
Rank: n/an/a
Letcher County Area Technology Center
Vocational School
515 Cougar Dr
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-5053
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-5053
Gr: 8-12
Letcher County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
6868 Hwy 7 North
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-7812
Whitesburg, KY 41858
(606) 633-7812
Gr: K-8 | 225 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
344 Coal Ave
Neon, KY 41840
(606) 855-7597
Neon, KY 41840
(606) 855-7597
Gr: 9-12 | 218 students Minority enrollment: 1%
11497 Hwy 805
Burdine, KY 41517
(606) 832-2711
Burdine, KY 41517
(606) 832-2711
Gr: PK-6 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
16040 Hwy 160
Linefork, KY 41833
(606) 589-2745
Linefork, KY 41833
(606) 589-2745
Gr: PK-8 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
160 Letcher High School Dr
Blackey, KY 41804
(606) 633-2524
Blackey, KY 41804
(606) 633-2524
Gr: PK-5 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
162 Lhs Dr
Letcher, KY 41832
(606) 633-7812
Letcher, KY 41832
(606) 633-7812
Gr: 6-8 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Letcher County, KY?
The top ranked public schools in Letcher County, KY include Letcher County Central High School, Whitesburg Middle School and Cowan Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Letcher County?
11 public schools are located in Letcher County.
What is the racial composition of students in Letcher County?
Letcher County public schools minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Hispanic), 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.