For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 2,185 students in Nelson County, KY.
The top ranked public high schools in Nelson County, KY are Bardstown High School, Bardstown Alternative School and Thomas Nelson High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Nelson County, KY public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Kentucky public high school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 44% statewide average). High schools in Nelson County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public high schools.
Nelson County, KY public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the Kentucky average of 92%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Bardstown High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Kentucky or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public high school average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Nelson County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bardstown High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
400 N 5th St
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8802
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8802
Gr: 9-12 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Bardstown Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1345 Templin Av
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8829
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 331-8829
Gr: K-12 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
Thomas Nelson High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
150 Generals Blvd
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-4650
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-4650
Gr: 9-12 | 643 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #44.
Nelson County High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1070 Bloomfield Rd
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7010
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7010
Gr: 9-12 | 783 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
The Academy At Horizons
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
304 Wildcat Lane
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7045
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7045
Gr: K-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
Heartland Youth Village
Alternative School
1013 Granite Drive
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 849-3440
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 849-3440
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
The Up Center
Vocational School
1060 Bloomfield Rd.
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Gr: 6-12
Nelson County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
100 Broadway
Chaplin, KY 40012
(502) 349-7220
Chaplin, KY 40012
(502) 349-7220
Gr: PK-5 | 133 students Minority enrollment: 8%
Nelson County Area Technology Center (Closed 2023)
Vocational School
1060 Bloomfield Road
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9096
Gr: 8-12
219 E Muir Ave
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7220
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 349-7220
Gr: 4-5 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Nelson County, KY?
The top ranked public high schools in Nelson County, KY include Bardstown High School, Bardstown Alternative School and Thomas Nelson High School.
How many public high schools are located in Nelson County?
7 public high schools are located in Nelson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Nelson County?
Nelson County public high schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public high schools average of 28% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Nelson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Nelson County include: Thomas Nelson High School vs. Nelson County High School, Nelson County High School vs. Thomas Nelson High School, Bardstown High School vs. Nelson County High School
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.