Average
#632 of 1,284 schools in KY
Top 49% in state
Nicholas County High School
High School · Nicholas County
103 School Dr, Carlisle, KY 40311
Enrollment
446
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
6.3
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
446
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
6.3
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Carlisle
#1 of 2
public schools
Kentucky high schools
#154 of 279
In district
#1 of 2
Nicholas County
Academic growth
7.4 / 10
Strong
About Nicholas County High School
Nicholas County High School is a regular public school located in the rural community of Carlisle, Kentucky. The school serves students from seventh through twelfth grade, making it both a middle and high school within one campus. With an enrollment of 446 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.5:1, Nicholas County High School offers personalized attention to its students.
There are 27 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting the academic needs of each student. The school’s MySchoolScout rating is 4.7 out of 10, placing it in the 33rd percentile among Kentucky schools based on state rankings. Academically, Nicholas County High School has an overall score of 5.1/10, with 41% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency levels in ELA and reading, and 33% doing so in math.
While these scores indicate areas for improvement, the school is focused on student development and continuous educational growth. Nicholas County High School is situated in a remote rural area, offering its students a close-knit community feel with strong ties to local traditions and values.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Nicholas County High School 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
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Nicholas County High School — Students at Nicholas County High School score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
60.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KY EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from KY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 7.4/10.
How Nicholas County High School Compares
See how Nicholas County High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 40% (2019) to 37% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 48% (2019) to 39% (2022).
Location
103 School Dr, Carlisle, KY 40311
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Nicholas County High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Paris High School (rated 7.7/10, 13.8 miles away, in nearby Paris), which scores notably higher. Another option is Harrison County High School (rated 7.7/10, 14.6 miles away, in nearby Cynthiana), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Bourbon County High School (rated 5.9/10, 15.3 miles away, in nearby Paris), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Carlisle, see our Carlisle schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Nicholas County Elementary School Carlisle | 0.1 mi | 4.3 |
| North Middletown Elementary School North Middletown | 12.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Robertson County School Mount Olivet | 14.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Ewing Elementary School Ewing | 12.9 mi | 4.5 |
| Cane Ridge Elementary School Paris | 12.8 mi | 7.1 |
| Paris High School Paris | 13.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Paris Middle School Paris | 13.8 mi | 5.4 |
| ST MARY SCHOOL Paris | 14.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Paris Elementary School Paris | 14.3 mi | 5.7 |
| Paris Preschool Center Paris | 14.3 mi | 5.4 |
| Northview Elementary Mount Sterling | 16.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Eastside Elementary School Cynthiana | 14.0 mi | 3.6 |
| Harrison County Middle School Cynthiana | 14.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Southside Elementary School Cynthiana | 14.4 mi | 3.9 |
| Harrison County Learning Center Cynthiana | 14.6 mi | — |
| Harrison County High School Cynthiana | 14.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Bourbon County High School Paris | 15.3 mi | 5.9 |
| Bourbon County Middle School Paris | 15.4 mi | 3.8 |
| Mapleton Elementary School Mt. Sterling | 18.2 mi | 6.6 |
| Northside Elementary School Cynthiana | 15.2 mi | 4.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 40311 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,741
Median Home Value
$124,700
Median Rent
$642/mo
Population
7,676
College Educated
11.2%
Homeownership
71.1%
Avg Commute
37.3 min
Poverty Rate
16.1%
Median Age
39
Community Profile
The community surrounding Nicholas County High School has a median household income of $55,741. It is a community where 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $124,700, with a median rent of $642/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.1%. The average commute in the area is 37 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BETHLEHEM HIGH SCHOOL/DIOCESE Bardstown, KY | 6.3 |
| West Carter County High School Olive Hill, KY | 6.3 |
| Henry County High School New Castle, KY | 6.2 |
| Bellevue High School Bellevue, KY | 6.4 |
| Casey County High School Liberty, KY | 6.4 |
| Elliott County High School Sandy Hook, KY | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nicholas County High School
What grades does Nicholas County High School serve?
Nicholas County High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Nicholas County High School?
Nicholas County High School has an enrollment of approximately 446 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Nicholas County High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Nicholas County High School is 16.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Nicholas County High School rank in KY?
Nicholas County High School is ranked #632 out of 1,284 schools in KY.
What is Nicholas County High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Nicholas County High School has a composite rating of 6.3 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.
What are the test scores at Nicholas County High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Nicholas County High School has 33.0% math proficiency and 41.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Nicholas County High School a charter school?
No, Nicholas County High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Nicholas County High School a Title I school?
No, Nicholas County High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nicholas County High School?
60.1% of students at Nicholas County 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Low (236/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Carlisle). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 446
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 60.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Nicholas County
- Phone
- (859) 289-3780
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Nicholas County- District Enrollment
- 1,091
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,359
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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.
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