Excellent
#171 of 1,284 schools in KY
Top 13% in state
Ballard Memorial High School
High School · Ballard County
3561 Paducah Rd, Barlow, KY 42024
Enrollment
265
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
8.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
265
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
8.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kentucky schools
#171 of 1,284
In Barlow
#1 of 4
public schools
In district
#1 of 4
Ballard County
Academic growth
9.3 / 10
Excellent
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Ballard Memorial High School
High School in Barlow · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Ballard County Middle School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Ballard Co. Preschool/headstart Center
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Ballard Memorial High School
Ballard Memorial High School is a public high school in Barlow, KY, part of Ballard County. Ballard Memorial High School serves approximately 265 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Ballard Memorial High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10 and ranks #171 of 1,284 schools in KY.
Structured state assessment records for Ballard Memorial High School show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 8.0 · Excellent
- KY avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Ballard Memorial High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Ballard Memorial High School — Students at Ballard Memorial High School score 58% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
56.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KY KSA (2024-25)
Based on 32 test records from KY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.3/10.
How Ballard Memorial High School Compares
See how Ballard Memorial High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
3561 Paducah Rd, Barlow, KY 42024
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ballard Memorial High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Carlisle County High School (rated 8.0/10, 16.5 miles away, in nearby Bardwell), with a very similar rating. Another option is McCracken County High School (rated 7.5/10, 14.0 miles away, in nearby Paducah), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Joppa Jr & Sr High School (rated 7.4/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Joppa), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Barlow, see our Barlow schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard County Middle School Barlow | 0.1 mi | 7.6 |
| Ballard Co. Preschool/Headstart Center Barlow | 0.2 mi | 4.1 |
| Ballard County Elementary School Barlow | 0.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Meridian High School Mounds | 10.9 mi | 6.4 |
| Meridian Elementary School Mounds | 10.9 mi | 5.7 |
| Heath Elementary School West Paducah | 10.6 mi | 8.9 |
| Heath Middle School West Paducah | 10.7 mi | 7.5 |
| McCracken Open Campus School West Paducah | 10.8 mi | 4.1 |
| Cairo Elementary School Cairo | 11.4 mi | 5.8 |
| Joppa Jr & Sr High School Joppa | 12.8 mi | 7.4 |
| Cairo Jr/Sr High School Cairo | 11.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Maple Grove Elem School Metropolis | 13.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Century Jr/Sr High School Ullin | 15.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Century Elementary School Ullin | 15.3 mi | 4.5 |
| Carlisle County Middle School Bardwell | 16.5 mi | 9.1 |
| Carlisle County High School Bardwell | 16.5 mi | 8.0 |
| Carlisle County Elementary School Bardwell | 16.5 mi | 8.0 |
| McCracken County High School Paducah | 14.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Franklin Elem School Metropolis | 15.3 mi | 8.7 |
| Metropolis Elem School Metropolis | 15.8 mi | 4.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 42024 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,969
Median Home Value
$150,000
Median Rent
$579/mo
Population
1,160
College Educated
11.7%
Homeownership
75.5%
Poverty Rate
19.6%
Median Age
50.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Carlisle County High School Bardwell, KY | 8.0 |
| Hickman County High School Clinton, KY | 8.1 |
| Phelps High School Phelps, KY | 8.1 |
| Williamstown Sr. High Williamstown, KY | 7.9 |
| Lyon County High School Eddyville, KY | 8.2 |
| COVINGTON LATIN SCHOOL Covington, KY | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ballard Memorial High School
What grades does Ballard Memorial High School serve?
Ballard Memorial High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Ballard Memorial High School?
Ballard Memorial High School has an enrollment of approximately 265 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ballard Memorial High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ballard Memorial High School is 12.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ballard Memorial High School rank in KY?
Ballard Memorial High School ranks #171 of 1,284 schools in KY.
What is Ballard Memorial High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ballard Memorial High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ballard Memorial High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Ballard Memorial High School has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Ballard Memorial High School a charter school?
No, Ballard Memorial High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ballard Memorial High School a Title I school?
No, Ballard Memorial High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ballard Memorial High School?
56.2% of students at Ballard Memorial High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 265
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 56.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Ballard County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 24.9%
- Phone
- (270) 665-8400
- 4-Year Graduation
- 92.0%
Resources & Links
District
Ballard County- District Enrollment
- 1,039
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,101
- District Rank
- #1 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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