Best High Schools
in Louisville, Kentucky
We ranked the 31 high schools in Louisville with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.2 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Kentucky education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Louisville for 2026 are Dupont Manual High (9.3/10), Presentation Academy (8.6/10), and Atherton High (8.5/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 31 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Louisville?
Every high school in Louisville is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Dupont Manual High
Louisville, KY. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Presentation Academy
Louisville, KY. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Atherton High
Louisville, KY. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Louisville's 27 ranked high schools span a wide range of performance, from duPont Manual High at the top with an 8.8/10 down to schools near the metro average of 6.6/10. That spread gives families real choices — but also real differences worth understanding before enrolling. duPont Manual leads the field, followed closely by Eastern High and Ballard High, both scoring 8.6/10, and Central High Magnet Career Academy at 8.5/10. Taken together, 11 schools — 41% of the ranked list — score 7 or higher, meaning strong options are distributed across the metro rather than concentrated in one pocket. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other factors so you can zero in on what matters most for your student.
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Louisville's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Kentucky so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 31 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dupont Manual High Jefferson County | 9.3 |
| 2 | Presentation Academy | 8.6 |
| 3 | Atherton High Jefferson County | 8.5 |
| 4 | Holy Cross High School/diocese | 7.7 |
| 5 | De Sales High School | 7.2 |
| 6 | Ballard High Jefferson County | 6.7 |
| 7 | Central High Magnet Career Academy Jefferson County | 6.5 |
| 8 | The Academy @ Shawnee Jefferson County | 6.5 |
| 9 | Eastern High Jefferson County | 6.1 |
| 10 | Minor Daniels Academy Jefferson County | 6.0 |
| 11 | Assumption High School | 6.0 |
| 12 | The Phoenix School of Discovery Jefferson County | 5.9 |
| 13 | Newcomer Academy Jefferson County | 5.6 |
| 14 | Louisville Male High Jefferson County | 5.5 |
| 15 | Mercy Academy | 5.4 |
| 16 | Breckinridge Metropolitan High Jefferson County | 5.3 |
| 17 | Trinity High School | 5.2 |
| 18 | Mary Jo and William Macdonald Maryhurst Jefferson County | 5.1 |
| 19 | Fern Creek High Jefferson County | 5.0 |
| 20 | Valley High Jefferson County | 4.8 |
| 21 | Liberty High Jefferson County | 4.8 |
| 22 | Jeffersontown High Jefferson County | 4.6 |
| 23 | Western High Jefferson County | 4.5 |
| 24 | Butler Traditional High Jefferson County | 4.3 |
| 25 | Marion C. Moore School Jefferson County | 4.2 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Kentucky education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Kentucky. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Kentucky, with 38 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 high school in Louisville, Kentucky?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Dupont Manual High is the top-rated high school in Louisville with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many high schools are in Louisville, Kentucky?
Louisville has 38 high schools. Of these, 33 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Louisville?
The average composite score for Louisville high schools is 5.5/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Kentucky).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. 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.