Southern High School Magnet Career Academy was built in 1951, and the first graduating class was in 1952. All students had transferred from the recently closed Okolona High School, which became Okolona Elementary School.
Serving 1,725 students in grades 9-12, Southern High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 13% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,725 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Btm 50% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southern High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Southern High School's student population of 1,725 students has grown by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 98 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,725 students
Total Classroom Teachers
98 teachers
Year Founded
1951
Colors
Blue and Gold
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Southern High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern High School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1131 out of 1250 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
22%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
40%
10%
Black
29%
11%
White
25%
71%
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern High School's ranking?
Southern High School is ranked #1131 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Southern High School often compared to?
Southern High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Marion C. Moore School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southern High School?
The graduation rate of Southern High School is 84%, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Southern High School?
1,725 students attend Southern High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Southern High School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are Black, 25% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern High School?
Southern High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southern High School offer ?
Southern High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southern High School part of?
Southern High School is part of Jefferson County School District.
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