Best Knox County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,166 students in Knox County, KY.
The top-ranked public preschools in Knox County, KY are G R Hampton Elementary School, Jesse D Lay Elementary School and Barbourville City School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Knox County, KY public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Kentucky public pre school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Pre schools in Knox County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Kentucky public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public preschool average of 25% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best Public Preschools in Knox County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
G R Hampton Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
60 Ky 3441
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2840
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
Jesse D Lay Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
220 N Allison Ave
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2849
Gr: PK-5 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Barbourville City School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
140 School St
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 546-3129
Gr: PK-12 | 755 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #44.
Dewitt Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
138 Ky 718
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2834
Gr: PK-5 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #55.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1000 Ky 3439d
Barbourville, KY 40906
(606) 645-2832
Gr: PK-5 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #66.
Flat Lick Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
110 Kentucky 3085
Flat Lick, KY 40935
(606) 645-2836
Gr: PK-5 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #77.
Girdler Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5452 N Ky 11
Girdler, KY 40943
(606) 645-2838
Gr: PK-5 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Knox County, KY?
The top-ranked public preschools in Knox County, KY include G R Hampton Elementary School, Jesse D Lay Elementary School and Barbourville City School.
How many public preschools are located in Knox County?
7 public preschools are located in Knox County.
What is the racial composition of students in Knox County?
Knox County public preschools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public preschools average of 25% (majority Hispanic and Black).

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