Excellent
#117 of 1,284 schools in KY
Top 9% in state
Southwestern High School
High School · Pulaski County
1765 Wtlo Road, Somerset, KY 42503
Enrollment
1,203
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
8.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,203
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
8.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Somerset
#2 of 14
public schools
Kentucky high schools
#24 of 279
In district
#1 of 14
Pulaski County
Academic growth
9.2 / 10
Exceptional
About Southwestern High School
Southwestern High School is a public high school in Somerset, KY, part of the Pulaski County. The school serves approximately 1,203 students in grades 9th – 12th with a student-teacher ratio of 16.7:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.1/10, placing it in the 91st percentile among KY schools — an above average rating overall.
Students demonstrate 42% proficiency in math and 45% in reading/language arts. The school scores particularly well in student growth (9.2/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $53,377, where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
The school is situated in a fringe rural setting.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Southwestern 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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Southwestern High School — Students at Southwestern High School score 48% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
64.7%
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
→ 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: 9.2/10.
How Southwestern High School Compares
See how Southwestern High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 46% (2019) to 48% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 44% (2019) to 48% (2022).
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. Somerset High School (rated 7.1/10, 3.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Pulaski County High School (rated 7.0/10, 4.3 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Eagle Academy (rated 5.2/10, 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 | 7.9 |
| 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 | 5.9 |
| Southern Middle School Somerset | 2.7 mi | 5.6 |
| 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 | 5.2 |
| Pulaski Elementary School Somerset | 3.9 mi | 8.1 |
| Somerset High School Somerset | 3.8 mi | 7.1 |
| Hopkins Elementary School Somerset | 3.9 mi | 8.3 |
| Pulaski County High School Somerset | 4.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Meece Middle School Somerset | 4.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Northern Middle School Somerset | 4.7 mi | 6.1 |
| Burnside Elementary School Burnside | 5.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Nancy Elementary School Nancy | 5.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Science Hill Elementary School Science Hill | 8.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Northern Elementary School Somerset | 9.6 mi | 8.0 |
| Shopville Elementary School Somerset | 11.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Eubank Elementary School Eubank | 14.8 mi | 5.0 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Southwestern High School has a median household income of $53,377. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $198,500, with a median rent of $873/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.2%. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bowling Green High School Bowling Green, KY | 8.1 |
| Franklin-Simpson High School Franklin, KY | 8.1 |
| Fern Creek High Louisville, KY | 8.2 |
| Valley High Louisville, KY | 8.0 |
| Anderson County High School Lawrenceburg, KY | 7.9 |
| Atherton High Louisville, KY | 7.9 |
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 is ranked #117 out of 1,284 schools in KY.
What is Southwestern High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Southwestern High School has a composite rating of 8.1 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 Southwestern High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Southwestern High School has 42.3% math proficiency and 45.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Somerset). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (606) 678-9000
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Pulaski County- District Enrollment
- 7,840
- Schools in District
- 14
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,724
- District Rank
- #1 of 14
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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