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Very Good

#414 of 1,284 schools in KY

Top 32% in state

Southwestern High School

High School · Pulaski County

1765 Wtlo Road, Somerset, KY 42503

Enrollment

1,203

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

7.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kentucky schools

#414 of 1,284

In Somerset

#12 of 14

public schools

In district

#10 of 14

Pulaski County

Academic performance

8.4 / 10

Excellent

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Southwestern High School

7.1/10

High School in Somerset · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Oak Hill Elementary School

9.2/10

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

Somerset Christian School

7.3/10

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

About Southwestern High School

Southwestern High School is a public high school in Somerset, KY, part of Pulaski County. Southwestern High School serves approximately 1,203 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Southwestern High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #414 of 1,284 schools in KY.

Structured state assessment records for Southwestern High School show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.0 pts above district
  • This school 7.1 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.1
  • KY avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Southwestern 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.

34% of students at Southwestern High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.3Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.95 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics8.4Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52% (2025 KSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency55% (2025 KSA)
Overall Proficiency54% (2025 KSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)42% (model expectation from 2025 KSA)
vs. Expected+11.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile76th
College Readiness8.3Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate96%
AP Participation27.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,724
Chronic Absenteeism34.1%

Southwestern High School — Students at Southwestern High School score 54% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

64.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KY KSA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 48.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 54.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 32 test records from KY state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
58%
ELA
61%
2010
Math
58%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
55%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
46%
ELA
64%
2013
Math
60%
ELA
56%
2014
Math
43%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
49%
ELA
60%
2016
Math
59%
ELA
64%
2017
Math
48%
ELA
56%
2018
Math
46%
ELA
44%
2019
Math
46%
ELA
44%
2020*
Math
33%
ELA
43%
2021*
Math
33%
ELA
43%
2022
Math
48%
ELA
48%
2025
Math
52%
ELA
55%

* 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: 7.3/10.

How Southwestern High School Compares

See how Southwestern High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.1/10
68th percentile in KY
Academic
8.4/10
Excellent
Growth
7.3/10
Very Good
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.6
Sports
24
12 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
65%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
72 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
27.2% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics24sports offered
12 boys'·12 girls'·35 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

1765 Wtlo Road, Somerset, KY 42503

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Southwestern High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Pulaski County High School (rated 7.6/10, 4.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Somerset High School (rated 7.4/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Eagle Academy (rated 3.7/10, 3.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Somerset, see our Somerset schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Oak Hill Elementary School Somerset 0.2 mi 9.2
SOMERSET CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Somerset 0.9 mi 7.3
SALINE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Somerset 1.6 mi 3.5
Southern Elementary School Somerset 2.5 mi 8.0
Southern Middle School Somerset 2.7 mi 7.3
Memorial Education Center Somerset 2.8 mi 5.1
CHILDREN'S HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RESTON Somerset 3.4 mi
Eagle Academy Somerset 3.3 mi 3.7
Pulaski Elementary School Somerset 3.9 mi 8.3
Somerset High School Somerset 3.8 mi 7.4
Hopkins Elementary School Somerset 3.9 mi 8.4
Pulaski County High School Somerset 4.3 mi 7.6
Meece Middle School Somerset 4.3 mi 7.3
Northern Middle School Somerset 4.7 mi 7.3
Burnside Elementary School Burnside 5.6 mi 7.5
Nancy Elementary School Nancy 5.6 mi 7.1
Science Hill Elementary School Science Hill 8.3 mi 7.3
Northern Elementary School Somerset 9.6 mi 9.1
Shopville Elementary School Somerset 11.5 mi 8.0
Eubank Elementary School Eubank 14.8 mi 6.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 42503 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$53,377

Median Home Value

$198,500

Median Rent

$873/mo

Population

25,638

College Educated

22.7%

Homeownership

68.7%

Avg Commute

20.7 min

Poverty Rate

17.2%

Median Age

41.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Apollo High School Owensboro, KY 7.1
Boyd County High School Ashland, KY 7.1
Dixie Heights High School Fort Mitchell, KY 7.1
Franklin County High School Frankfort, KY 7.1
Greenwood High School Bowling Green, KY 7.1
South Laurel High School London, KY 7.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Southwestern High School

What grades does Southwestern High School serve?

Southwestern High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Southwestern High School?

Southwestern High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,203 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Southwestern High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Southwestern High School is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Southwestern High School rank in KY?

Southwestern High School ranks #414 of 1,284 schools in KY.

What is Southwestern High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Southwestern High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 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 Southwestern High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Southwestern High School has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Southwestern High School a charter school?

No, Southwestern High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Southwestern High School a Title I school?

No, Southwestern High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Southwestern High School?

64.7% of students at Southwestern 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,203
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
72
Free/Reduced Lunch
64.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Pulaski County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.1%
4-Year Graduation
96.0%

District

Pulaski County
District Enrollment
7,840
Schools in District
14
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,724
District Rank
#10 of 14

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