High Schools in Shelby County

The Shelby County school district in Kentucky is home to three high schools: Martha Layne Collins High School, Shelby County High School, and Ascension Academy. These schools serve students in grades 9-12 and showcase a range of academic performance and student demographics.

Shelby County High School stands out with the highest 4-year graduation rate at 93.3% and relatively stronger performance on state mathematics and reading tests compared to the county and state averages. In contrast, Ascension Academy lags behind, with a concerning 4-year graduation rate of only 16.7% and extremely low proficiency rates on ACT English, Math, and Reading tests. Martha Layne Collins High School falls in the middle, with slightly higher ACT test scores than the county and state averages.

Socioeconomic factors appear to play a significant role, as Ascension Academy has the highest percentage of free and reduced-price lunch recipients at 77.78%, compared to 50.3% at Shelby County High School and 43.61% at Martha Layne Collins High School. The data suggests that while school size and resources may contribute to academic success, other factors, such as socioeconomic conditions, also play a crucial role in shaping the educational outcomes of these Shelby County high schools.