Education

Empowering Minds: Education and Schools in Our Community

Academic Excellence in the Heart of Appalachia

As a physician considering Hazard for your family, you'll discover educational opportunities that combine small-town attention with impressive academic achievements that rival much larger districts. Your children will benefit from learning environments where teachers know their names, administrators recognize their potential, and academic success is celebrated community-wide.

Rooted in mountain values like hard work, perseverance, and community support, schools here nurture students personally and academically. Local schools have earned state recognition and rank among Kentucky's best, proving high-quality education doesn't require metropolitan settings.

  • Hazard Independent Schools consistently ranking in Kentucky’s top 25%
  • Small class sizes with individualized attention and strong teacher-student bonds
  • Robust community support for education and teacher excellence
  • Advanced learning pathways including dual enrollment and career readiness
  • State recognition and top academic rankings
  • Safe, nurturing schools where every student is known and valued

Hazard Independent Schools District

Hazard Independent Schools delivers a powerful mix of academic rigor and personal attention. In recent CATS testing, Hazard High School ranked in the top 10% statewide. The district lives its mission: to offer a world-competitive education that challenges minds, inspires hope, and supports student dreams.

With approximately 1,030 students across Roy G. Eversole Elementary, Hazard Middle School, and Hazard High School, the district fosters academic excellence from kindergarten through graduation.

  • Top 10% CATS testing rank and #19 statewide high school performance
  • Student-teacher ratio of 12:1 enabling personalized support
  • Improving elementary scores and sustained high school excellence
  • Strong extracurriculars including award-winning speech teams
  • Student teams advancing to state-level competitions in academics and athletics

Advanced Academic Programs and Opportunities

Students benefit from honors, AP courses, and dual enrollment options. The district’s partnership with Hazard Community and Technical College and the K-TECH Apprenticeship Program prepares students for careers in STEM, healthcare, and IT with real-world experience and industry certifications.

  • Advanced Placement and honors courses for academic enrichment
  • Dual enrollment with Hazard Community and Technical College
  • K-TECH Apprenticeship providing paid STEM experiences and certification
  • Industry certifications earned before graduation
  • Technology platforms like IXL for personalized learning

Recent Educational Achievements and Recognition

Educational excellence extends beyond city schools to Perry County at large. Despite flood-related adversity in 2022, local schools have excelled, with Robinson Middle School ranking 10th in the state and Buckhorn High School achieving 6th place in Kentucky.

  • Robinson Middle School ranked 10th statewide
  • Buckhorn High and Perry Central among Kentucky’s top-performing schools
  • Universal screener and phonics tools improving student outcomes
  • Attendance rates averaging 95% in high-performing schools

STEM and Career Readiness Programs

Hazard’s K-TECH program gives students hands-on training in healthcare, construction, and IT. With dual enrollment covering 31 fields of study, students can graduate with certifications, job experience, and college credit.

  • K-TECH offering paid STEM apprenticeships starting in 9th grade
  • Healthcare and IT career pathways with professional certification
  • 31 dual enrollment options aligned with workforce demands
  • Transportation to apprenticeship sites provided during school hours

Private and Alternative Educational Options

Hazard Christian Academy offers a 4:1 student-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance. For broader private options, Lexington Christian Academy and Trinity Christian Academy offer faith-based excellence within reasonable driving distance.

  • Hazard Christian Academy with 100% college-bound graduates
  • Highly personalized instruction with only 11 enrolled students
  • Faith-based instruction grounded in Baptist values
  • Lexington-area Christian schools offering comprehensive academic programs

College Preparation and Success

Dual enrollment, transfer agreements, and the HCTC Finish Scholarship help students enter college with credits and tuition-free opportunities. Students can graduate high school with an associate degree while saving substantially on postsecondary costs.

  • HCTC Finish Scholarship offers two tuition-free semesters
  • Lowest in-state tuition rates for affordable college access
  • Dual credit programs reduce cost and accelerate graduation
  • Comprehensive college counseling and financial aid guidance

Educational Technology and Innovation

IXL adaptive learning and industry-standard tech tools ensure students are prepared for a digital economy. The K-TECH program integrates real-world tech exposure, while traditional instruction is enhanced by engaging platforms.

  • Personalized digital instruction via IXL across core subjects
  • Hands-on access to healthcare and IT industry software
  • Distance learning and flexible education delivery options
  • Blended traditional and technology-forward teaching methods

Special Programs and Support Services

Hazard provides comprehensive supports for students with diverse needs. From inclusive classrooms to gifted enrichment, every student receives the attention necessary for success, backed by counseling and federal program coordination.

  • Inclusive special education services tailored to individual needs
  • Gifted & talented programming supporting high-achieving students
  • Speech, counseling, and academic intervention programs
  • Compliance-focused federal coordination supporting access and equity

Community Investment and Educational Culture

Education is a shared community priority in Hazard. Parent involvement, community pride, and teacher support create a positive learning environment. Even in the face of natural disasters, schools have shown remarkable resilience and improvement.

  • Strong parent and community engagement in schools
  • Community celebration of student academic success
  • Post-flood resilience resulting in academic gains
  • Teacher appreciation contributing to retention and morale

In Hazard, your children will thrive in an academic culture that values excellence, inclusion, and personal connection. Whether pursuing college, technical certification, or direct-to-career pathways, they’ll emerge confident, capable, and well-prepared for the future.

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