Photo: Tennessee Valley Authority · Public domainBenton’s public schools score below 69% of Kentucky districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Benton, 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.
Benton’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 41% of tested students were proficient in reading and 34% in math, against 45% and 38% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 91% across Kentucky. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,556 per student, against $14,752 across Kentucky (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is South Marshall Middle, then Marshall County High School. Enrollment is down 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
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 Benton’s grade
C: better than 31% of Kentucky school districts, #109 of 139 Kentucky towns. Both inputs trail the Kentucky average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Benton, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Benton
Benton Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 528 students · 16:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Benton
South Marshall Middle
Grades 6–8 · 432 students · 16:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Benton
South Marshall Middle
Grades 6–8 · 432 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Benton
South Marshall Middle
Grades 6–8 · 432 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Benton
Marshall County High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,201 students · 19:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Benton
Marshall County High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,201 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Benton’s public schools are run by Marshall County School District, which also serves Calvert City and Hardin. 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.
Below the state in reading
Benton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Kentucky towns that share Benton’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Benton | C | Marshall County |
Every school in Benton
3 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).
Questions about Benton’s schools
Are Benton’s schools good?
On Kentucky’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Benton children attend score below 69% of Kentucky’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #109 of 139 Kentucky towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 29%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Benton in?
Marshall County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,302 students in 11 schools (2024–25).
Where do Benton kids go to high school?
Marshall County High School, with 1,201 students; its own test results earn a C+.
What is Benton’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Marshall County School District graduated in four years, against 91% across Kentucky.
How much does Benton spend per student?
$13,556 in Marshall County School District (FY2024), against $14,752 across Kentucky. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Benton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Benton → 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.