Skip to main content

Needs Improvement

#1227 of 1,284 schools in KY

Ben Johnson Elementary School

Elementary School · Breckinridge County

13598 S. Hwy 259, Mc Daniels, KY 40152

Enrollment

225

Student-Teacher

13.2:1

Score

3.4

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kentucky schools

#1,227 of 1,284

In district

#6 of 6

Breckinridge County

School environment

7.0 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Ben Johnson Elementary School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Ben Johnson Elementary School

3.4/10

Elementary School in Mc Daniels · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Oran P Lawler Elementary School

8.5/10

9.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Grayson County High School

5.7/10

9.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Ben Johnson Elementary School

Ben Johnson Elementary School is a public elementary school in Mc Daniels, KY, part of Breckinridge County. Ben Johnson Elementary School serves approximately 225 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 13.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Ben Johnson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,227 of 1,284 schools in KY.

Structured state assessment records for Ben Johnson Elementary School show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.4 pts below district
  • This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.8
  • KY avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Ben Johnson Elementary 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.

33% of students at Ben Johnson Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress1.4Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.26 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency36% (2025 KSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency36.3% (2025 KSA)
Overall Proficiency36% (2025 KSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 KSA)
vs. Expected-10.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
Resources & Environment7.0Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,209
Chronic Absenteeism32.9%

Ben Johnson Elementary School — Students at Ben Johnson Elementary School score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

52.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KY KSA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 47.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 51.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 35 test records from KY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
92%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
57%
ELA
52%
2012
Math
57%
ELA
52%
2013
Math
57%
ELA
52%
2014
Math
52%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2017
Math
57%
ELA
62%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2025
Math
36%
ELA
36.3%

* 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: 1.4/10.

How Ben Johnson Elementary School Compares

See how Ben Johnson Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
5th percentile in KY
Academic
4.4/10
Below Average
Growth
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.0/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.9%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

13598 S. Hwy 259, Mc Daniels, KY 40152

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Ben Johnson Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Oran P Lawler Elementary School (rated 8.5/10, 9.4 miles away, in nearby Leitchfield), which scores notably higher. Another option is Clarkson Elementary School (rated 8.0/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Clarkson), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Horse Branch Elementary School (rated 7.3/10, 18.8 miles away, in nearby Horse Branch), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Mc Daniels, see our Mc Daniels schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Oran P Lawler Elementary School Leitchfield 9.4 mi 8.5
Grayson County High School Leitchfield 9.5 mi 5.7
Grayson Co. Alternative Education Leitchfield 9.5 mi
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Leitchfield 9.1 mi
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARDEN Leitchfield 9.4 mi
H W Wilkey Elementary School Leitchfield 9.5 mi 5.0
Grayson County Middle School Leitchfield 9.6 mi 7.8
SHADY MAPLES SCHOOL Caneyville 10.2 mi
Breckinridge County High School Harned 11.2 mi 5.0
Breckinridge County Middle School Harned 11.3 mi 6.1
Hardinsburg Elementary School Hardinsburg 11.6 mi 5.4
PLEASANT VIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL Hardinsburg 10.7 mi 5.6
LAUREL FORK SCHOOL Leitchfield 12.6 mi 3.4
Clarkson Elementary School Clarkson 11.5 mi 8.0
Custer Elementary School Custer 12.4 mi 4.2
Caneyville Elementary School Caneyville 13.1 mi 5.7
ST ROMUALD INTERPAROCHIAL SCHOOL Hardinsburg 13.9 mi 3.7
CEDAR SPRINGS SCHOOL Clarkson 17.2 mi 3.7
Irvington Elementary School Irvington 19.7 mi 6.3
Horse Branch Elementary School Horse Branch 18.8 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 40152 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,672

Median Home Value

$171,300

Population

891

College Educated

29%

Homeownership

100%

Poverty Rate

29.6%

Median Age

57.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Engelhard Elementary Louisville, KY 3.4
Howell Elementary School Elsmere, KY 3.3
Maupin Elementary Louisville, KY 3.5
North Livingston Elementary School Burna, KY 3.3
Beaver Creek Elementary School Topmost, KY 3.2
Harrison Elementary School Lexington, KY 3.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ben Johnson Elementary School

What grades does Ben Johnson Elementary School serve?

Ben Johnson Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Ben Johnson Elementary School?

Ben Johnson Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 225 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ben Johnson Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Ben Johnson Elementary School is 13.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Ben Johnson Elementary School rank in KY?

Ben Johnson Elementary School ranks #1,227 of 1,284 schools in KY.

What is Ben Johnson Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Ben Johnson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 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 Ben Johnson Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ben Johnson Elementary School has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Ben Johnson Elementary School a charter school?

No, Ben Johnson Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Ben Johnson Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Ben Johnson Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ben Johnson Elementary School?

52.9% of students at Ben Johnson Elementary 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
225
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Breckinridge County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.9%

District

Breckinridge County
District Enrollment
2,670
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,209
District Rank
#6 of 6

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.