For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 1,357 students in Knox County, KY.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Knox County, KY are Barbourville City School, Knox County Middle School and Knox County Learning Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Knox County, KY public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Kentucky public middle school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 44% statewide average). Middle schools in Knox County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Kentucky public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public middle school average of 27% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Knox County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Barbourville City School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: PK-12 | 755 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Knox County Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
311 N Main St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 545-5267
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 545-5267
Gr: 6-8 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Knox County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
135 Wall St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2848
Gr: 6-12 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #44.
Knox Inspire Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
200 Daniel Boone Drive
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2830
Gr: K-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #55.
Knox Appalachian School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1909 Ky Hwy 3439
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2842
Gr: 5-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Barbourville Learning Center
Alternative School
140 School Street
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3120
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3120
Gr: 7-12 | 2 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Knox County, KY?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Knox County, KY include Barbourville City School, Knox County Middle School and Knox County Learning Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Knox County?
7 public middle schools are located in Knox County.
What is the racial composition of students in Knox County?
Knox County public middle schools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Kentucky public middle schools average of 27% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.