Best High Schools
in Louisville, Kentucky
We ranked all 38 high schools in Louisville. The top 25 scored between 5.3 and 8.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Kentucky education data
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.
duPont Manual High
Eastern High
Ballard High
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 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 | duPont Manual High Jefferson County | 8.8 |
| 2 | Eastern High Jefferson County | 8.6 |
| 3 | Ballard High Jefferson County | 8.6 |
| 4 | PRESENTATION ACADEMY | 8.6 |
| 5 | Central High Magnet Career Academy Jefferson County | 8.5 |
| 6 | Fern Creek High Jefferson County | 8.2 |
| 7 | Valley High Jefferson County | 8.0 |
| 8 | Atherton High Jefferson County | 7.9 |
| 9 | Jeffersontown High Jefferson County | 7.8 |
| 10 | HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL/DIOCESE | 7.7 |
| 11 | Louisville Male High Jefferson County | 7.5 |
| 12 | Liberty High Jefferson County | 7.4 |
| 13 | Ahrens Educational Resource Center Jefferson County | 7.2 |
| 14 | DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL | 7.2 |
| 15 | Mary Jo and William MacDonald Maryhurst Jefferson County | 6.9 |
| 16 | Newcomer Academy Jefferson County | 6.7 |
| 17 | Minor Daniels Academy Jefferson County | 6.7 |
| 18 | Doss High Jefferson County | 6.0 |
| 19 | ASSUMPTION HIGH SCHOOL | 6.0 |
| 20 | Pleasure Ridge Park High Jefferson County | 5.8 |
| 21 | Seneca High Jefferson County | 5.7 |
| 22 | Iroquois High Jefferson County | 5.7 |
| 23 | Southern High Jefferson County | 5.5 |
| 24 | MERCY ACADEMY | 5.4 |
| 25 | Butler Traditional High Jefferson County | 5.3 |
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 8.8/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.6/10. 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 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.