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#140 of 219 private schools in KY

Appalachian Challenge Academy

High School

465 GRAYS BRANCH RD, Grays Knob, KY 40829

Private Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on KY statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

80

Student-Teacher

16:1

Score

5.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2021-22

How this school compares

Kentucky high schools

#13 of 20

About Appalachian Challenge Academy

Appalachian Challenge Academy is a high school located in the rural setting of Grays Knob, Kentucky. Serving students from ninth to twelfth grade, this regular public school has an enrollment of 80 students and employs five full-time equivalent teachers, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. The school's MySchoolScout rating is 5.5 out of 10, placing it at the 9th percentile among Kentucky schools.

While test score data isn't available to provide specific academic performance details, Appalachian Challenge Academy focuses on providing personalized education in a supportive rural environment. With room for academic growth and development, the school aims to meet the needs of its students within a close-knit community near Harlan. The setting offers a quieter, more intimate learning atmosphere compared to larger urban schools.

Appalachian Challenge Academy is situated in a rural area that provides a unique backdrop for student life, fostering a sense of connection between the school and its surrounding community.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 80 students, Appalachian Challenge Academy is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

As a private school, Appalachian Challenge Academy operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.

Located in a rural area, Appalachian Challenge Academy may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

What This Rating Measures

This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in KY.

Classroom Attention
? Student-teacher ratio calibrated against other private schools. Lower ratios mean more individual attention. (30% of overall score)
C 2.7 / 10
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio 16:1
Instructional Commitment
? Total annual instructional hours based on school day length and days per year. (15% of overall score)
A+ 9.8 / 10
View breakdown
School Day Length 6.5 hours
Annual Instructional Hours 1,430
Diversity & Inclusion
? Racial and ethnic diversity of the student body using Simpson's diversity index. (20% of overall score)
A- 8.1 / 10
View breakdown
Diversity Index 31%
Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile
? Enrollment size and grade span breadth — indicators of program depth and peer community. (15% of overall score)
B- 5.0 / 10
View breakdown
Enrollment 80
View data sources

Score basis: Private school model

Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data

Components scored: 4 of 5

Ranking pool: Private schools in KY

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

White 82.5%
Black 8.8%
Hispanic 5.0%
Two or More 3.8%

Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)

Location

465 GRAYS BRANCH RD, Grays Knob, KY 40829

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Appalachian Challenge Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Thomas Walker High (rated 8.4/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Ewing), which scores notably higher. Another option is Harlan County High School (rated 6.9/10, 5.8 miles away, in nearby Baxter), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Harlan High School (rated 6.0/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Harlan), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Grays Knob, see our Grays Knob schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 19.0 mi
School Distance Rating
James A. Cawood Elementary Harlan 0.8 mi 5.2
Sunshine School Harlan 2.9 mi 5.3
Harlan High School Harlan 3.0 mi 6.0
Harlan Elementary School Harlan 3.0 mi 5.5
Cawood Elementary School Cawood 4.4 mi 4.3
Rosspoint Elementary School Baxter 5.5 mi 5.3
Harlan County High School Baxter 5.8 mi 6.9
Green Hills Elementary School Bledsoe 7.0 mi 6.7
Wallins Elementary School Wallins 6.0 mi 5.9
Evarts Elementary School Evarts 7.6 mi 6.8
Rose Hill Elementary Rose Hill 9.4 mi 3.5
Black Mountain Elementary School Evarts 8.4 mi 5.1
HARLAN COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Totz 10.0 mi 6.3
Flatwoods Elementary Jonesville 11.4 mi 6.2
Thomas Walker High Ewing 12.3 mi 8.4
Jonesville Middle Jonesville 13.1 mi 6.1
Lee High Jonesville 13.0 mi 5.8
St. Charles Elementary St. Charles 13.7 mi 8.2
Right Fork School Center Stoney Fork 15.6 mi 3.5
Stinnett Elementary School Hoskinston 19.0 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 40829 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Population

24

College Educated

0%

Homeownership

50%

Poverty Rate

0%

Community Profile

It is a community where 0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The local poverty rate of 0.0% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Laurel County Day Treatment London, KY 5.6
Georgia Chaffee Teenage Parent Program Fairdale, KY 6.2
The Sterling School Mt. Sterling, KY 6.3
Breckinridge Metropolitan High Louisville, KY 5.2
Eagle Academy Somerset, KY 5.2
Success Academy Glasgow, KY 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Appalachian Challenge Academy

What grades does Appalachian Challenge Academy serve?

Appalachian Challenge Academy serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Appalachian Challenge Academy?

Appalachian Challenge Academy has an enrollment of approximately 80 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Appalachian Challenge Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Appalachian Challenge Academy is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.

How does Appalachian Challenge Academy rank in KY?

Appalachian Challenge Academy is ranked #140 out of 219 private schools in KY.

What is Appalachian Challenge Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Appalachian Challenge Academy has a composite rating of 5.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

Is Appalachian Challenge Academy a private school?

Yes, Appalachian Challenge Academy is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.

Is Appalachian Challenge Academy a religious school?

No, Appalachian Challenge Academy is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
80
Gender Split
68% M / 32% F
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers (FTE)
5
Type
private
Coed Status
coed
Affiliation
Nonsectarian
School Day
6.5 hours
Days Per Year
220 days
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
HARLAN
Data Year
2022–2023

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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