Brenda Cowan Elementary

Q: Is Brenda Cowan Elementary a good school?

Brenda Cowan Elementary ranks 211 th of 685 Kentucky elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Brenda Cowan Elementary is a public elementary school in Lexington, Kentucky, serving 537 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Fayette County School District, which is ranked 77 out of 159 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Brenda Cowan Elementary has consistently ranked in the top 25% of Kentucky elementary schools, with a ranking of 211 out of 685 schools in the 2023-2024 school year. The school's performance on the Kentucky State Assessments (KSA) is generally above the Fayette County and state averages across various subjects and grade levels. In 2023-2024, Brenda Cowan Elementary had significantly higher proficiency rates than the Fayette County and state averages in 3rd grade reading (67% vs. 51% and 47%), 5th grade mathematics (59% vs. 47% and 41%), and 5th grade social studies (55% vs. 44% and 39%). The school's diverse student population includes strong performance among African American and English Language Learner (ELL) students, who consistently rank in the top 10-25% of Kentucky elementary schools for their respective subgroups.

While Brenda Cowan Elementary generally outperforms the Fayette County and state averages, some nearby schools, such as Athens-Chilesburg Elementary and Squires Elementary, have even higher academic achievement, particularly in mathematics and reading. These schools may provide valuable insights into effective instructional practices and strategies that could be replicated at Brenda Cowan Elementary. Overall, Brenda Cowan Elementary is a strong-performing school with a track record of academic excellence, especially among traditionally underserved student populations.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

4801 Athens-Boonesboro Road
Lexington, KY 40509

(859) 381-4000

District: Fayette County

SchoolDigger Rank:
211^th of 685 Kentucky Elementary Schools

Students who attend Brenda Cowan Elementary usually attend:

Middle:	Edythe Jones Hayes Middle School
High:	Henry Clay High School

Student/teacher ratio: 12.8

Number of students: 537

Racial breakdown:

White:

45.4%

African American:

19.2%

Asian:

17.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 47.5%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Brenda Cowan Elementary ranks better than 69.2% of elementary schools in Kentucky. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 65.33. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

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Teachers

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Finance

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Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Brenda Cowan Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Brenda Cowan Elementary 211^th of 685 Kentucky public elementary schools. (See Brenda Cowan Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

English Language Learner students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

Asian students:

African American students:

White students:

Fayette County:

SchoolDigger ranks Fayette County 77^th of 159 Kentucky school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Brenda Cowan Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile
2021	68.70	108^th	517	79.1%
2022	80.13	84^th	684	87.7%
2023	75.22	114^th	687	83.4%
2024	65.33	211^th	685	69.2%

See the entire list of Kentucky Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	35.44	29^th	43	32.6%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	77.96	8^th	65	87.7%
2024	65.30	17^th	64	73.4%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	33.89	181^st	257	29.6%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile
2022	69.52	114^th	667	82.9%
2023	64.12	172^nd	670	74.3%
2024	49.48	311^th	665	53.2%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile
2021	59.10	107^th	312	65.7%
2022	72.92	111^th	641	82.7%
2023	74.07	110^th	639	82.8%
2024	47.78	323^rd	644	49.8%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile
2021	75.09	49^th	325	84.9%
2022	77.03	84^th	657	87.2%
2023	69.19	142^nd	652	78.2%
2024	77.73	91^st	652	86.0%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile
2022	74.23	5^th	19	73.7%
2023	58.91	8^th	23	65.2%
2024	48.22	14^th	25	44.0%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile
2022	79.91	11^th	118	90.7%
2023	76.77	12^th	129	90.7%
2024	79.32	13^th	140	90.7%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	KY State Percentile
2021	84.06	31^st	337	90.8%
2022	76.06	103^rd	656	84.3%
2023	80.84	83^rd	658	87.4%
2024	71.99	141^st	659	78.6%

See the entire list of Best Kentucky Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Kentucky Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Kentucky Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Brenda Cowan Elementary

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2020	228	88	69	30	1	0	28	444
2021	237	102	76	46	1	0	41	503
2022	253	103	91	46	1	1	52	547
2023	244	103	92	52	0	1	45	537

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Brenda Cowan Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2020	444	32.0	13.8	40.3
2021	503	34.8	14.4	43.5
2022	547	37.4	14.6	42.2
2023	537	41.9	12.8	47.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Brenda Cowan Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2020	444	32.0	13.8	40.3
2021	503	34.8	14.4	43.5
2022	547	37.4	14.6	42.2
2023	537	41.9	12.8	47.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Brenda Cowan Elementary

Year	Personnel Expenditures from Federal Funds	Non-Personnel Expenditures from Federal Funds	Total Expenditures from Federal Funds	Personnel Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Non-Personnel Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2020	$268 (1.6%)	$89 (0.5%)	$357 (2.1%)	$12,012 (70.9%)	$2,470 (14.6%)	$14,483 (85.4%)	$16,953
2021	$648 (4.1%)	$397 (2.5%)	$1,045 (6.5%)	$12,295 (76.8%)	$1,429 (8.9%)	$13,626 (85.2%)	$15,999
2022	$997 (5.7%)	$376 (2.1%)	$1,374 (7.8%)	$12,158 (69.1%)	$2,167 (12.3%)	$14,325 (81.5%)	$17,583

Data source: Kentucky Department of Education

Schools Near Brenda Cowan Elementary

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				KSA Mathematics (2024)			KSA Reading (2024)			KSA Science (2024)	KSA Writing (2024)	KSA Social Studies (2024)	KSA Editing and Mechanics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	KSA Mathematics 3rd Grade	KSA Mathematics 4th Grade	KSA Mathematics 5th Grade	KSA Reading 3rd Grade	KSA Reading 4th Grade	KSA Reading 5th Grade	KSA Science 4th Grade	KSA Writing 5th Grade	KSA Social Studies 5th Grade	KSA Editing and Mechanics 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures: Total	Personnel Spending from Federal Funds	Non-Personnel Spending from Federal Funds	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Personnel Spending from State and Local Funds	Non-Personnel from State and Local Funds	Sub-total Spending from State and Local Funds
Brenda Cowan Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	4801 Athens-Boonesboro Road	Lexington	40509	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	No	(859) 381-4000	537	42	12.8	47.5%	244 (45.4%)	103 (19.2%)	52 (9.7%)	92 (17.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	45 (8.4%)	65.3	211^th of 685 public elementary schools	69.2%		75.2	114^th of 687 public elementary schools	83.4%	97	50.0	38.0	59.0	67.0	51.0	65.0	30.0	38.0	55.0	62.0	$17,583	$997	$376	$1,374	$12,158	$2,167	$14,325
Athens-Chilesburg Elementary	Public	K-5	930 Jouett Creek Dr	Lexington	40509	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	No	(859) 381-4955	533	37	14.4	16.7%	379 (71.1%)	30 (5.6%)	31 (5.8%)	69 (12.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	24 (4.5%)	94.1	12^th of 685 public elementary schools	98.2%		96	9^th of 687 public elementary schools	98.7%	3	72.0	73.0	76.0	75.0	77.0	84.0	56.0	61.0	67.0	69.0	$18,781	$1,241	$419	$12,660	$12,901	$2,238	$15,139
Garrett Morgan Elementary	Public	K-5	1150 Passage Mound Way	Lexington	40509	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	No	(859) 381-3165	756	49	15.5	32.7%	455 (60.2%)	133 (17.6%)	50 (6.6%)	70 (9.3%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	47 (6.2%)	79.9	93^rd of 685 public elementary schools	86.4%		76.9	102^nd of 687 public elementary schools	85.2%	9	55.0	50.0	58.0	73.0	59.0	61.0	40.0	73.0	66.0	62.0	$16,738	$811	$373	$1,184	$11,556	$2,115	$13,671
Ridge Hospital Alternative Elementary	Public	K-5	3050 Rio Dosa Dr	Lexington	40509	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	No	(859) 269-2325	2	5	.4		2 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Squires Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3337 Squire Oak Dr.	Lexington	40515	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	Yes	(859) 381-3002	431	34	12.8	59.9%	207 (48.0%)	93 (21.6%)	84 (19.5%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	44 (10.2%)	73.2	134^th of 685 public elementary schools	80.4%		75.2	115^th of 687 public elementary schools	83.3%	19	67.0	73.0	56.0	60.0	66.0	49.0	51.0	47.0	39.0	47.0	$20,795	$1,793	$422	$2,215	$14,287	$2,245	$16,532
Liberty Elementary	Public	K-5	2585 Liberty Rd	Lexington	40509	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	No	(859) 381-4979	722	52	13.8	37.5%	348 (48.2%)	150 (20.8%)	99 (13.7%)	55 (7.6%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.3%)	68 (9.4%)	66.8	197^th of 685 public elementary schools	71.2%		67.8	178^th of 687 public elementary schools	74.1%	19	51.0	53.0	47.0	48.0	62.0	55.0	42.0	48.0	52.0	52.0	$18,134	$1,294	$425	$1,724	$12,272	$2,141	$14,409
Tates Creek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1113 Centre Pkwy	Lexington	40517	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	Yes	(859) 381-3606	642	53	12.2	70.4%	208 (32.4%)	254 (39.6%)	90 (14.0%)	18 (2.8%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.2%)	69 (10.7%)	22	559^th of 685 public elementary schools	18.4%		29.6	493^rd of 687 public elementary schools	28.2%	66	19.0	21.0	34.0	28.0	37.0	45.0	21.0	26.0	30.0	39.0	$19,515	$1,968	$483	$2,452	$12,730	$2,310	$15,039
Millcreek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1212 Reva Ridge Way	Lexington	40517	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	Yes	(859) 381-3527	541	41	13.2	67.7%	183 (33.8%)	204 (37.7%)	83 (15.3%)	8 (1.5%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	61 (11.3%)	8.4	647^th of 685 public elementary schools	5.5%		16.9	596^th of 687 public elementary schools	13.2%	51	22.0	15.0	25.0	28.0	17.0	22.0		6.0	19.0	27.0	$19,582	$1,610	$659	$2,269	$12,958	$2,267	$15,225
Madeline M Breckinridge Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	2101 St. Mathilda Dr.	Lexington	40502	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	Yes	(859) 381-3273	509	52	9.7	77.8%	97 (19.1%)	190 (37.3%)	163 (32.0%)	10 (2.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	49 (9.6%)	40.6	411^th of 685 public elementary schools	40.0%		46	369^th of 687 public elementary schools	46.3%	42	36.0	36.0	49.0	44.0	48.0	47.0	21.0	51.0	30.0	36.0	$19,797	$1,821	$700	$2,521	$12,898	$2,336	$15,234
Julius Marks Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	3277 Pepperhill Rd	Lexington	40502	Fayette County	Fayette County	No	No	No	Yes	(859) 381-3470	480	40	12.1	63.8%	212 (44.2%)	135 (28.1%)	67 (14.0%)	9 (1.9%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	55 (11.5%)	26.7	525^th of 685 public elementary schools	23.4%		37.7	433^rd of 687 public elementary schools	37.0%	92	46.0	27.0	24.0	43.0	30.0	39.0	17.0	44.0	21.0	34.0	$20,079	$1,518	$473	$1,991	$13,887	$2,317	$16,204

Frequently Asked Questions about Brenda Cowan Elementary

What schools do graduates of Brenda Cowan Elementary attend?

Students who attend Brenda Cowan Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Edythe Jones Hayes Middle School
High : Henry Clay High School

What is the racial makeup of Brenda Cowan Elementary?

Students at Brenda Cowan Elementary are 45% White, 19% African American, 17% Asian, 10% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races.

Is Brenda Cowan Elementary a good school?

Brenda Cowan Elementary ranks 211^th of 685 Kentucky elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Brenda Cowan Elementary?

In the 2022-23 school year, 537 students attended Brenda Cowan Elementary.

What district is Brenda Cowan Elementary in?

Fayette County

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.