News Summary
Lexington celebrates the impressive achievements of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Lafayette High School, both ranked among the top public high schools in Kentucky. Dunbar ranks third, while Lafayette follows at fifth. These accolades reflect the hard work of teachers, students, and the community. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins emphasizes the importance of recognizing the full spectrum of educational success, as Kentucky schools strive for continued improvement after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Great News for Lexington: Local High Schools Shine in Rankings!
In a delightful update for the community of Lexington, two high schools have made a splash in the education scene. According to the latest rankings by Niche for 2025, both Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Lafayette High School have been celebrated as some of the top-performing public high schools in Kentucky! As if that’s not exciting enough, Dunbar ranks as the third-best public high school in the entire state, while Lafayette follows closely behind at fifth. That’s something for every Lexingtonian to cheer about!
How Did They Get There?
Niche, known for its thorough analysis, merges user reviews with a wealth of public data sources, which include federal education statistics. They evaluate schools based on various factors, oh so important for student success, including academics, college prep, and more. With such a mix of data involved, it paints a clearer picture of how schools are performing, but like anything, it has its quirks.
Dunbar High School proudly stands out with a student body of nearly 1,946 students in grades 9 through 12 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 18-to-1. When it comes to proficiency in state test scores, about 52% of Dunbar’s students are showing mastery in math, while a notable 58% scored proficient in reading! Niche recognized these accomplishments by granting Dunbar an overall A grade, highlighting their strength in academics, diversity, and college preparedness.
Meanwhile, Lafayette High School isn’t lagging too far behind. With an enrollment of around 2,432 students and a slightly higher student-to-teacher ratio of 19-to-1, Lafayette boasts an impressive 56% math proficiency and a whopping 65% proficiency rate in reading. Just like Dunbar, Lafayette received an overall A grade from Niche, receiving accolades for their strong academics, excellent teaching staff, and rich diversity within their student population.
The Voice of the Community
Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, Demetrus Liggins, expressed immense pride in the recognition received by both schools, indicating how these rankings reflect the hard work put in by teachers, students, and parents alike. However, he’s also reminded community members to look closely at Niche’s methodology. It’s essential to recognize that while these rankings are wonderful to celebrate, they may not incorporate every success story or unique educational experience that each school offers.
Liggins explains that factors such as student growth and special educational programs might not get the spotlight they deserve in Niche’s reports. After all, education is about the complete picture, and every student’s journey is unique!
Statewide Progress
The Spring 2024 state test results have shown that schools in Kentucky are making strides toward overcoming the learning losses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, though more progress is undoubtedly required. Recent statistics reveal that only about 25% of public schools reported that over 50% of students scored proficient or distinguished in state mathematics tests. Similarly, in reading, around 45% of schools saw comparable proficiency rates among their students. While that might sound concerning, it’s encouraging to note that improvement is underway, and schools are steadily working towards better outcomes.
A Bright Future!
In the grand landscape of education in Kentucky, the achievements of Lexingon’s high schools resonate deeply with not just the students but the broader community. With strong academic performance, highly rated programs, and rich diversity, students at both Paul Laurence Dunbar and Lafayette High Schools are well on their way toward a bright future! So, let’s celebrate these incredible accomplishments and continue supporting our local schools as they aim for even higher heights!
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Local High Schools Shine
- WOKQ: New England School Rankings
- Boston Magazine: Best Public High Schools 2024
- Patch: MA’s 50 Best Public High Schools
- Google Search: Kentucky Public High Schools Ranking
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
