Average
#611 of 1,284 schools in KY
Top 48% in state
West Carter County High School
High School · Carter County
365 West Carter Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164
Enrollment
510
Student-Teacher
17.6:1
Score
6.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
510
Student-Teacher
17.6:1
Score
6.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Olive Hill
#2 of 5
public schools
Kentucky high schools
#149 of 279
In district
#5 of 11
Carter County
Academic growth
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About West Carter County High School
West Carter County High School is a public high school located in the heart of Olive Hill, Kentucky. Serving students from ninth through twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 510 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 17.6:1 with 29 full-time teachers. The academic performance at West Carter County High School reflects areas for improvement, but the community is supportive in focusing on student development.
With a MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranking at number 346 among Kentucky's 1288 schools, there is room for growth in academic achievement. In reading and ELA, 44% of students are proficient or above, while in math, the figure stands at 35%. The school’s rural setting provides a close-knit community atmosphere, fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, West Carter 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
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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West Carter County High School — Students at West Carter County High School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
60.6%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.8/10.
How West Carter County High School Compares
See how West Carter County High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 32% (2019) to 47% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 52% (2022).
Location
365 West Carter Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Carter County High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. East Carter County High School (rated 8.0/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Grayson), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Elliott County High School (rated 6.4/10, 15.7 miles away, in nearby Sandy Hook), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Olive Hill, see our Olive Hill schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 22.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 41164 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$53,777
Median Home Value
$102,900
Median Rent
$588/mo
Population
12,372
College Educated
15.6%
Homeownership
83.2%
Avg Commute
33.8 min
Poverty Rate
19.1%
Median Age
43.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Carter County High School has a median household income of $53,777. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $102,900, with a median rent of $588/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.1%. The average commute for residents is 34 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 |
|---|---|
| Bell County High School Pineville, KY | 6.3 |
| Nicholas County High School Carlisle, 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 West Carter County High School
What grades does West Carter County High School serve?
West Carter County High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend West Carter County High School?
West Carter County High School has an enrollment of approximately 510 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Carter County High School?
The student-teacher ratio at West Carter County High School is 17.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Carter County High School rank in KY?
West Carter County High School is ranked #611 out of 1,284 schools in KY.
What is West Carter County High School's MySchoolScout rating?
West Carter 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 West Carter County High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Carter County High School has 35.3% math proficiency and 43.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Carter County High School a charter school?
No, West Carter County High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Carter County High School a Title I school?
No, West Carter County High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Carter County High School?
60.6% of students at West Carter 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
- Elevated (717/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Olive Hill). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 510
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 60.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Carter County
- Phone
- (606) 286-2481
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Carter County- District Enrollment
- 4,079
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,653
- District Rank
- #5 of 11
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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