2023 Best Magnet High Schools in Kentucky

• Jefferson County Public Schools, KY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  774 reviews

Alum: Manual was overall a great school! I was in the Visual Arts magnet and I felt like it really improved my skills. I felt challenged by my studies but supported by teachers and peers willing to help me if I ever needed it. It had a very diverse and accepting atmosphere and I never felt afraid to be who I was at the school. My only issue throughout the entire four years I attended was that the art teachers were often too ruthless. Often times, they would pick favorites and be too cruel with critiques-- to the point where the critique wasn't constructive. I had a teacher call my art "ugly" and provide no extra details on improvement. Despite this, Manual was an amazing place to attend and I continued to enjoy my art and other classes despite the very few teachers that could be harsh.... Read 774 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,929

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Jefferson County Public Schools, KY•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  141 reviews

Senior: The J. Graham Brown School is an excellent school which truly challenges its students to be self-directed learners and empathetic citizens. The school culture and environment allows for student individuality to flourish and encourages students to seek always to better not only their understanding and the understanding of their peers, but to better their very selves and the community around them.... Read 141 reviews

• grade A

• Students 753

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Jefferson County Public Schools, KY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  579 reviews

Senior: Male High school is a great traditional school. Their main focus is instilling hard working skills in classes while still participating in different activities around the school. School has changed a lot since Covid-19, but this school still goes with tradition. This is a very warming and positive environment. I am proud to be part of the bulldog family!... Read 579 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,992

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Fayette County Public Schools, KY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  44 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Steam Academy was very beneficial to my education. Steam participated in Project Based Learning (PBL) which allowed students the freedom to fully research topics and get experience presenting to large crowds. We worked on a semester-based schedule so that we could complete our high school core classes in half the time and during the first semester of our Junior year we would begin college classes and internships. This allowed us the opportunity to either intern in workplaces and earn our associate's degree. Not only is the education amazing, but the community is as well. We rarely had any bullying problems at Steam and once they occurred they were dealt with accordingly. They also allowed us to protest and express ourselves artistically throughout our school activities.... Read 44 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 331

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Jefferson County Public Schools, KY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  381 reviews

Senior: My experience at Butler Traditional High School has ben wonderful! I have been there for four years and I am currently a senior. Butler is so welcoming and overall feels like home. Butler offers a wide variety of sports and clubs to choose from. One club that fascinates me is National Honors Society (NHS). NHS is a program for students with a GPA above 3.5. It helps students make a difference in their community by completing service hours. Butler has great administrators and teachers that are very approachable and kind to all students. In my opinion, Best Buddies is one of the best things about my school. Best Buddies is a program for special-needs students to interact with other students. It is very special to me because forever friends and connections are made with all the special-needs students. I would recommend Butler High School to everyone! I have met so many people and I feel involved at school. Choosing to attend Butler High School was one of the best choices I've ever made.... Read 381 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,575

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fayette County Public Schools, KY•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: I have been at Carter G. Woodson since 6th grade and I have learned life changing events at this school. I am apart of a brotherhood that can not be severed. I have learned the concept of family, respect, and dedication. I have matured from a boy to a man and this would not have happened at any other school. The staff know that there is a difference in how black males are taught and because of this My brothers and I get it. We really get it!! I have learned the importance of Loyalty and how that Loyalty is rooted deep in all of us. I give respect and in turn have earned respect. The respect has broadened my relationships with my teachers and my brothers. The only change I would implement would be to have more Black Men in the building... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• Students 264

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Jefferson County Public Schools, KY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  120 reviews

Senior: I'm graduating from Fairdale this Spring, and my time there has been pretty good! What makes Fairdale unique is that they have a one-hour period of making up work for classes or attending clubs and activities. This system has helped me a lot when the workload has been overbearing or when I wanted to go out of my comfort zone and try new things. Including this, there are many pathways, or programs, that students can choose from, and I'm in the Music pathway. I'm a band student, and my time with the music program was remarkable. Attending the football games, being part of the marching band, and playing with the band in the bleachers for basketball season are truly the most unforgettable moments of my time with Fairdale. There is also the medical program, and my short time in this pathway was enjoyable and fun. The staff and teachers are understanding, and they truly care for their students' success and help prepare for the students' future. I had no regrets about choosing this school.... Read 120 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,370

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fayette County Public Schools, KY•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  15 reviews

Senior: I love Opportunity Middle College! The teachers are really nice and helpful. They’ve definitely have motivated me to go to college and have helped me with college applications and FAFSA. The teachers and counselor show that they care and make sure that you’re doing well in your college and high school classes. I definitely recommend it for those that want to take duel credit classes and want to experience the college life and get a head start.... Read 15 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 108

• Student-teacher ratio 54:1

• Jefferson County Public Schools, KY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  339 reviews

Senior: Currently, Central is going through renovations. Our air quality is very poor, teachers that have been here for years are being diagnosed with asthma and different types of cancer, and the district (Jefferson County Public Schools) is doing their best to withhold information from administration, parents, teachers, and students. During the school day, there are various construction workers working on the building, disrupting learning for everyone. At one point, some of the construction crew had stolen the copper wires, and we were without power for majority of the day. Students and staff are all disappointed with Jefferson County Public Schools, as this would not be a problem at a predominantly white school, such as Male or Manual. Our water pipes are rusty, and therefore the water is shut off in the building randomly and for hours, and there are a minor amount of water fountains.... Read 339 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 1,295

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Jefferson County Public Schools, KY•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: It was the right school for Alifa. She was able to work hard and take independent studies to complete her requirements for high school graduation early. Also her personality and leadership skills were encouraged and appreciated. She had a really good year at Liberty, where her self-confidence and motivation to learn were restored.... Read 10 reviews

• grade C

• Students 124

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1