Photo: Corey Graese · CC BY-SA 4.0Ashland’s public schools score below 55% of Kentucky districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Ashland, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Kentucky, not nationally.
From Kentucky state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Ashland’s schools, in brief
Above the state in reading, below in math
Reading proficiency is 47% and math 35% in spring 2022, against 45% and 38% statewide; 90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 91%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,409 per student, against $14,752 across Kentucky (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Ashland Middle School, then Paul G. Blazer High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Rose Hill Christian School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Ashland’s grade
B−: better than 45% of Kentucky school districts, #94 of 139 Kentucky towns. Graduation is above the Kentucky average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Ashland, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Ashland
Ashland Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 671 students · 14:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Ashland
Ashland Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 671 students · 14:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Ashland
Ashland Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 671 students · 14:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Ashland
Paul G. Blazer High School
Grades 9–12 · 821 students · 13:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Ashland
Paul G. Blazer High School
Grades 9–12 · 821 students · 13:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Ashland
Paul G. Blazer High School
Grades 9–12 · 821 students · 13:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Ashland
Paul G. Blazer High School
Grades 9–12 · 821 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Ashland’s public schools are run by Ashland Independent School District. Parts of Ashland (6% and 4% of its land) are served by Boyd County and Fairview Independent instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Above the state in reading
Ashland vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Kentucky towns that share Ashland’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Ashland | B− | Ashland Independent |
| Catlettsburg | C | Boyd County |
Every school in Ashland
9 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Kentucky’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 3 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Ashland Alternative School, Raceland-Worthington Schools Campus A and Raceland-Worthington Schools Campus B).
Questions about Ashland’s schools
Are Ashland’s schools good?
On Kentucky’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Ashland children attend score below 55% of Kentucky’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #94 of 139 Kentucky towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 45%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Ashland in?
Ashland Independent School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,083 students in 9 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Ashland are served by Boyd County and Fairview Independent.
Where do Ashland kids go to high school?
Paul G. Blazer High School, with 821 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Ashland’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Ashland Independent School District graduated in four years, against 91% across Kentucky.
How much does Ashland spend per student?
$14,409 in Ashland Independent School District (FY2024), against $14,752 across Kentucky. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Ashland?
Yes: Rose Hill Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 129 students).
Parents talk
What Ashland families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Ashland → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Kentucky. Stars are from neighbors.