High Schools in Powell County

The Powell County school district in Kentucky is home to two high schools: Powell County High School and Powell County Academy. While both schools serve the same community, the data analysis reveals significant challenges and disparities in their academic performance and student demographics.

Powell County High School, the larger of the two schools, has consistently underperformed compared to state averages on key metrics such as ACT and KSA proficiency rates. The school ranked 227 out of 290 Kentucky high schools in the 2023-2024 school year and received a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. In contrast, Powell County Academy, the district's virtual high school, has even lower proficiency rates, with only 17% of 10th-grade students proficient in KSA Reading, compared to the state average of 46%. However, Powell County High School maintains a slightly higher four-year graduation rate of 91.4%, while Powell County Academy's rate is 83.3%.

Socioeconomic factors appear to play a significant role in the schools' performance, with both institutions serving a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a relatively high level of economic disadvantage. Additionally, the stark difference in student-teacher ratios between the two schools (15.8 at Powell County High School vs. 5.5 at Powell County Academy) raises questions about resource allocation and its potential impact on student outcomes. These systemic challenges within the Powell County school district suggest the need for targeted interventions and support to improve educational opportunities for all students in the region.