News Summary
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky, have achieved top ranks in the state’s 2025 Niche rankings, placing third and fifth among public high schools. Their high academic performance and commitment to student success are highlighted, along with a meaningful community engagement. The rankings are an informative indicator, though it’s critical to understand their context and limitations.
Lexington, Kentucky – Two high schools in Lexington have been recognized for their exceptional academic performance in Kentucky’s 2025 Niche rankings. Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Lafayette High School rank third and fifth, respectively, among public high schools in the state, showcasing strong achievements in education.
Niche, a well-known reviewing website for K-12 schools and universities, evaluates institutions by using user reviews combined with public data sources, including federal education statistics. The platform assesses various factors that contribute to student success, such as academic performance and college readiness. In these rankings, both Dunbar and Lafayette High Schools received high marks. Dunbar High School boasts an enrollment of 1,946 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18-to-1, while Lafayette High School serves 2,432 students and maintains a 19-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
These two Lexington schools not only excel in their academic offerings, but they also cater to diverse student populations, which has contributed to their recognition in the rankings. Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent acknowledged that this recognition is a testament to the schools’ strong academic metrics and positive feedback from students and families.
However, it is important to note that Niche’s methodology has some limitations. Rankings can be impacted by response rates, socioeconomic factors, and the level of community engagement within the schools. Superintendent Liggins indicated that while the rankings offer valuable insights, they should be taken with a critical perspective to fully understand the schools’ performance.
Furthermore, data from the state indicates a broader context for these achievements. In spring 2024, only about a quarter of public schools in Kentucky reported that over 50% of their students scored either proficient or distinguished in mathematics. The situation in reading was slightly better, with roughly 45% of schools meeting that proficiency threshold.
In light of these statistics, Dunbar High School has demonstrated impressive results, with 52% of its students proficient in math and 58% proficient in reading, earning an overall Niche grade of A along with A grades in academics, diversity, and college preparation. Similarly, Lafayette High School reported that 56% of its students are proficient in math and 65% in reading while also achieving an overall grade of A with strong commendations in areas such as academics, teaching quality, and diversity.
The top ten rankings in Kentucky include noteworthy schools from across the state. Leading the list is DuPont Manual School in Louisville, which has an enrollment of 1,929 students and holds the number one ranking with an overall Niche grade of A+. Following closely is The Gatton Academy in Bowling Green, a specialized residential two-year STEM program ranked second, notable for its high average ACT score of 32 and a 100% graduation rate. Other distinguished institutions include J. Graham Brown School (Rank 4), Beechwood High School (Rank 6), Highlands High School (Rank 7), Ballard High School (Rank 8), North Oldham High School (Rank 9), and South Oldham High School (Rank 10).
Overall, Dunbar and Lafayette High Schools’ marks in the 2025 Niche rankings affirm their commitment to educational excellence while contributing positively to Lexington’s educational landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Kentucky School Rankings
- Wikipedia: Niche (website)
- MassLive: Best Public High Schools
- Google Search: Best Public High Schools 2024
- Patch.com: Natick High School Ranking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public School
- WOKQ: New England School Rankings
- Google News: Best High Schools in Kentucky
- Patch.com: Massachusetts High School Rankings
