Best Elementary Schools
in Louisville, Kentucky
We ranked all 136 elementary schools in Louisville. The top 25 scored between 7.1 and 8.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Kentucky education data
Louisville's elementary landscape spans 87 ranked schools, giving families a wide range of options across the metro. Hawthorne Elementary leads the field with an 8.3 out of 10, followed closely by Maryville Elementary and Field Elementary, both at 8.1. The average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 5.6 out of 10, which means meaningful separation exists between the top tier and the middle of the pack — worth keeping in mind as you sort through the data. Only 16 schools, about 18% of the total, score 7 or higher, so competition for seats at the strongest performers can be real. The table below lets you sort by overall score, test performance, and other key metrics to find schools that fit your priorities. Whether you're focused on academics, proximity, or specific program offerings, the data here gives you a direct way to compare your options side by side.
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Louisville's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Kentucky so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NUR ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF LOUISVILLE | 8.9 |
| 2 | Hawthorne Elementary Jefferson County | 8.3 |
| 3 | ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF LOUISVILLE | 8.2 |
| 4 | Maryville Elementary School Bullitt County | 8.1 |
| 5 | Field Elementary Jefferson County | 8.1 |
| 6 | JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY | 8.1 |
| 7 | Norton Elementary Jefferson County | 8.0 |
| 8 | Breckinridge-Franklin Elementary Jefferson County | 7.7 |
| 9 | THE DE PAUL SCHOOL | 7.7 |
| 10 | FRIENDS SCHOOL | 7.7 |
| 11 | Crums Lane Elementary Jefferson County | 7.6 |
| 12 | Minors Lane Elementary Jefferson County | 7.6 |
| 13 | ST EDWARD SCHOOL | 7.6 |
| 14 | ST RITA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | 7.6 |
| 15 | Brandeis Elementary Jefferson County | 7.5 |
| 16 | MEREDITH-DUNN SCHOOL | 7.5 |
| 17 | Frayser Elementary Jefferson County | 7.4 |
| 18 | HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL | 7.3 |
| 19 | Camp Taylor Elementary Jefferson County | 7.2 |
| 20 | Overdale Elementary School Bullitt County | 7.1 |
| 21 | Greathouse/Shryock Traditional Jefferson County | 7.1 |
| 22 | Bloom Elementary Jefferson County | 7.1 |
| 23 | ST JAMES CATHOLIC SCHOOL | 7.1 |
| 24 | THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF LOUISVILLE | 7.1 |
| 25 | WALDORF SCHOOL OF LOUISVILLE | 7.1 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Kentucky education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Kentucky. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Louisville
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Louisville's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Louisville
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Louisville's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Kentucky, with 136 schools spanning 3 school districts.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Louisville, Kentucky?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, NUR ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF LOUISVILLE is the top-rated elementary school in Louisville with a composite score of 8.9/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Louisville, Kentucky?
Louisville has 136 elementary schools. Of these, 121 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Louisville?
The average composite score for Louisville elementary schools is 5.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Kentucky).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within Kentucky, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Kentucky, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.