High Schools in Middlesboro Independent

The Middlesboro Independent school district in Kentucky is home to two high schools: Middlesboro High School and Middlesboro Alternative School. While Middlesboro High School has maintained a relatively high four-year graduation rate of 91.9%, it has seen a declining rank in recent years, dropping from 174 in 2022-2023 to 232 in 2021-2022. The school's academic performance, particularly in mathematics, is below the state average, with only 13% of 11th-grade students proficient or better, compared to the state average of 30%.

In contrast, Middlesboro Alternative School has consistently been ranked in the bottom quarter of Kentucky high schools over the past decade, with a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school maintains a respectable four-year graduation rate of 81.3%, but it serves a significantly higher percentage of free and reduced lunch recipients (86.21%) compared to Middlesboro High School (73.3%). This suggests potential equity concerns within the district, as the alternative school appears to serve a population with greater socioeconomic disadvantages.

The analysis of the Middlesboro Independent school district highlights the need for a closer examination of the factors contributing to the academic performance and resource allocation across the two high schools. Addressing the declining performance at Middlesboro High School and the persistent challenges at Middlesboro Alternative School should be a priority for the district to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students.