Best Wayne County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,120 students in Wayne County, KY (there are 1 private school, serving 136 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Wayne County, KY are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Wayne County, KY are Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center, Otter Creek Academy and Wayne County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wayne County, KY public schools have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the Kentucky public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Wayne County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public school average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Wayne County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
9000 Hwy 1546
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 348-1482
Gr: 8-12 | 30 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #22.
Otter Creek Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1442 Old Bethel Church Rd
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 343-0203
Gr: 6-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Wayne County Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
95 Champion Drive
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 348-6691
Gr: 6-8 | 646 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Wayne County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1025 South Main Street
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 348-8484
Gr: 6-12 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #55.
Wayne County High School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2 Kenny Davis Blvd
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 348-5575
Gr: 9-12 | 895 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #66.
Monticello Elementary School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
160 Cave St
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 340-3900
Gr: 3-5 | 664 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
Bell Elementary School
278 Kenny Davis Blvd.
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 348-8150
Gr: 1-2 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
1080 South Main Street
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 348-4251
Gr: PK-K | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
Wayne County Area Technology Center
Vocational School
38 Academic Ave
Monticello, KY 42633
(606) 348-8424
Gr: 8-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Wayne County, KY?
The top-ranked public schools in Wayne County, KY include Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center, Otter Creek Academy and Wayne County Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Wayne County?
9 public schools are located in Wayne County.
What percentage of students in Wayne County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Wayne County are educated in public schools (compared to the KY state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Wayne County?
Wayne County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kentucky public schools average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
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
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
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.

Quick Links