Summary:
The city of Harlan, Kentucky is home to 3 schools - 2 elementary schools and 1 high school. Based on the available data, Harlan High School stands out as the top performer in the area, consistently ranking among the best high schools in the state and significantly outpacing state averages on key metrics like test scores and graduation rates. In contrast, the two elementary schools, Harlan Elementary and James A. Cawood Elementary, have more mixed performance, with variable statewide rankings and test scores.
Harlan High School has received a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and boasts a 84.2% four-year graduation rate, well above the state average. The school also significantly outperforms state averages on ACT and Kentucky State Assessment (KSA) tests across multiple subjects and grade levels. For example, 69% of 11th graders at Harlan High School are proficient or better in English, compared to 44% statewide.
All three schools in the Harlan area have high rates of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student populations. The schools have similar per-student spending and student-teacher ratios, suggesting consistent funding and staffing resources across the district. Further analysis could explore the factors contributing to Harlan High School's success and ways to improve outcomes at the elementary level.
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