Summary:
The city of Paducah, Kentucky is home to 16 schools, including 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. The data reveals a mix of high-performing and low-performing institutions, with McCracken County High School and Lone Oak Middle School standing out as top-ranked schools in the state, while some elementary and alternative schools struggle with lower academic outcomes and graduation rates.
McCracken County High School boasts a 93.7% four-year graduation rate, well above the state average, and strong performance on standardized tests, with 61% proficiency in ACT English, 45% in ACT Math, and 51% in ACT Reading. In contrast, Paducah Tilghman High School has seen a decline in its statewide ranking, from 80th in 2021-2022 to 199th in 2023-2024, warranting further investigation. The data also reveals a wide range in per-student spending, from $10,233 at McCracken County High School to $19,379 at McNabb Elementary, suggesting that funding levels may not be the sole determinant of academic performance.
The schools with the highest free/reduced lunch rates, such as Morgan Elementary (89.21%), McNabb Elementary (90.99%), and Choices Educational Center (91.89%), tend to have lower test scores and academic outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors and providing additional resources and support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Overall, the data suggests the need for targeted strategies to address disparities and ensure equitable access to quality education across the McCracken County and Paducah Independent school districts.
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