Best 40517 Kentucky Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 5,490 students in 40517, KY (there are 2 private schools, serving 34 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in 40517, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in 40517, KY are Southern Middle School, Tates Creek Elementary School and Tates Creek Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 40517 have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 40517, KY have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 40517, KY Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southern Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
400 Wilson-downing Rd
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3582
Gr: 6-8 | 759 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #22.
Tates Creek Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1113 Centre Pkwy
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3606
Gr: PK-5 | 626 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #33.
Tates Creek Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1105 Centre Pkwy
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3052
Gr: 6-8 | 767 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Tates Creek High School
Magnet School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1111 Centre Pkwy
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3620
Gr: 9-12 | 1,723 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Lansdowne Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
336 Redding Rd
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3500
Gr: PK-5 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #66.
Southern Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
340 Wilson Downing Rd
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3589
Gr: PK-5 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #77.
Millcreek Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1212 Reva Ridge Way
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 381-3527
Gr: PK-5 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 40517, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in 40517, KY include Southern Middle School, Tates Creek Elementary School and Tates Creek Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 40517?
7 public schools are located in 40517.
What percentage of students in 40517 go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in 40517 are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in 40517?
40517 public schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.

Quick Links