Top Rankings
Ballard County School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 20%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2025-26 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,039 students in Ballard County School District. This district's average testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky.
51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ in Ballard County School District have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (KY)
# Schools
5 Schools
1,537 Schools
# Students
1,039 Students
657,239 Students
# Teachers
70 Teachers
43,057 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Ballard County School District, which is ranked within the top 20% 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 85-89% has decreased from 90-94% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#32 out of 172 school districts
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
22%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)85-89%
90%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.25
0.46
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
3%
10%
% Black
2%
11%
% White
86%
72%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $17,145 is higher than the state median of $14,242. The school district revenue/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $15,248 is higher than the state median of $13,981. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$18 MM
$9,360 MM
Spending
$16 MM
$9,189 MM
Revenue / Student
$17,145
$14,242
Spending / Student
$15,248
$13,981
Best Ballard County School District 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ballard Memorial High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3561 Paducah Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: 9-12 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Ballard County Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3383 Paducah Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: K-5 | 463 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Ballard County Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3561 Paducah Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: 6-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
3383 Paducah Road
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: PK | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: n/an/a
Ballard County Career And Technology Center
Vocational School
11 Vocational School Rd
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Barlow, KY 42024
(270) 665-8400
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to Ballard County School District?
Ballard County School District manages 5 public schools serving 1,039 students.
What is the rank of Ballard County School District?
Ballard County School District is ranked #31 out of 171 school districts in Kentucky (top 20%) 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 overall rank (Top 20%) and Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 20%)
What is the racial composition of students in Ballard County School District?
86% of Ballard County School District students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student/teacher ratio of Ballard County School District?
Ballard County School District has a student/teacher ratio of 15:1, which is equal to the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What is Ballard County School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $15,248 is higher than the state median of $13,981. The school district spending/student has grown by 7% 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.