Photo: Nyttend · Public domainCumberland’s public schools score below 74% of Kentucky districts on tests and graduation
In Cumberland, 28% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Kentucky average (38%). The grade covers the public school district serving Cumberland, 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 97% 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.
Cumberland’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 114 Kentucky towns with household incomes within a quarter of Cumberland’s, its schools beat 21%, lower than their 26% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 42% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 45% and 38% statewide; 97% 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 where it came from
The district spent $15,102 per student in FY2024, against $14,752 across Kentucky. 35% of its revenue that year was federal (Kentucky 17%), in the last year of pandemic relief. Districts ↓
Eight elementary schools, then one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 9 the district’s path is Harlan County High School. Enrollment is down 12% 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 Cumberland’s grade
C: better than 26% of Kentucky school districts. 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 Cumberland, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Cumberland
Harlan County High School
Grades 9–12 · 945 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Baxter
10th grade in Cumberland
Harlan County High School
Grades 9–12 · 945 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Baxter
11th grade in Cumberland
Harlan County High School
Grades 9–12 · 945 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Baxter
12th grade in Cumberland
Harlan County High School
Grades 9–12 · 945 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Baxter
Cumberland’s public schools are run by Harlan County School District, which also serves Benham, Evarts, Loyall and Lynch. 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
Cumberland vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Kentucky towns that share Cumberland’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Cumberland | C | Harlan County |
Every school in Cumberland
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).
Questions about Cumberland’s schools
Are Cumberland’s schools good?
On Kentucky’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Cumberland children attend score below 74% of Kentucky’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 21%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Cumberland in?
Harlan County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,310 students in 9 schools (2024–25).
Where do Cumberland kids go to high school?
Harlan County High School in Baxter, with 945 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Cumberland’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Harlan County School District graduated in four years, against 91% across Kentucky.
How much does Cumberland spend per student?
$15,102 in Harlan County School District (FY2024), against $14,752 across Kentucky. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Cumberland families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Cumberland → 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.