Elsmere’s public schools outscore 84% of Kentucky districts
45% of students in Elsmere’s public schools are proficient in math, above the Kentucky average (38%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Elsmere, 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.
Elsmere’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 51% and math 45% across both districts in spring 2022, against 45% and 38% statewide; 96% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 91%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Kenton County spends $12,024 per student and Erlanger-Elsmere Independent $14,990, against $14,752 across Kentucky (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Henry 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 Elsmere’s grade
A−: better than 84% of Kentucky school districts, #40 of 139 Kentucky towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Kentucky average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Elsmere, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Elsmere
Arnett Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 253 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Erlanger
Kindergarten in Elsmere · depends on your address
Howell Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 299 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Arnett Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 253 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Erlanger
1st grade in Elsmere · depends on your address
Howell Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 299 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Arnett Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 253 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Erlanger
2nd grade in Elsmere · depends on your address
Howell Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 299 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Arnett Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 253 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Erlanger
3rd grade in Elsmere · depends on your address
Howell Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 299 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Arnett Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 253 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Erlanger
4th grade in Elsmere · depends on your address
Howell Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 299 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Arnett Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 253 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Erlanger
5th grade in Elsmere · depends on your address
Howell Elementary School
Grades K–5 · 299 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Arnett Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 253 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Erlanger
Elsmere runs its own schools through grade 12 (Kenton County School District). From grade PK, students attend the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District, shared with Erlanger. Its middle school is in Independence. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Elsmere
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Elsmere vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Kentucky towns that share Elsmere’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Elsmere | A− | Kenton County PK–12 · Erlanger-Elsmere Independent PK–12 |
| Erlanger | A− | Kenton County PK–12 · Erlanger-Elsmere Independent PK–12 |
| Independence | A | Kenton County |
All 2 neighbors share Kenton County with Elsmere for grades PK–12, so their letters differ mainly through the lower grades.
Every school in Elsmere
12 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 Elsmere’s schools
Are Elsmere’s schools good?
By Kentucky’s own tests, yes: the public schools Elsmere children attend outscore 84% of Kentucky’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #40 of 139 Kentucky towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 86%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Elsmere in?
Two districts: Kenton County School District runs grades PK–12, and Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District runs grades PK–12, shared with Erlanger.
Where do Elsmere kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Simon Kenton High School, Dixie Heights High School, Scott High School and Lloyd High School.
What is Elsmere’s graduation rate?
96% of the class of 2023 in Kenton County School District graduated in four years, against 91% across Kentucky.
How much does Elsmere spend per student?
$12,024 in Kenton County School District and $14,990 in Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District (FY2024), against $14,752 across Kentucky. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Elsmere?
Yes: St. Henry School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 303 students).
Parents talk
What Elsmere families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Elsmere → 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.