📊 What this ranking measures
Rankings are based on academic achievement — the share of students scoring proficient or above on state reading and math assessments (KSA 2024–25), ranked against other districts in the same state — not on spending, district size, or staffing. See full methodology →
Kentucky: 5 Rated Districts
KSA 2024–25 · percentile among Kentucky districts
| Rank in KY | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | McCracken County School District | Paducah | 10/10 Excellent | 91st |
| #2 | Carlisle County School District | Bardwell | 9/10 Excellent | 80th |
| #3 | Ballard County School District | Barlow | 8/10 Good | 74th |
| #4 | Livingston County School District | Smithland | 7/10 Good | 60th |
| #5 | Paducah Independent School District | Paducah | 5/10 Average | 48th |
Illinois: 2 Rated Districts
IAR 2023–24 · percentile among Illinois districts
| Rank in IL | District | District Office | Rating | State Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massac Unit School District 1 | Metropolis | 9/10 Excellent | 80th |
| #2 | Joppa-Maple Grove Unit District 38 | Joppa | 4/10 Below Average | 35th |
Best School Districts in the Paducah, KY-IL Metro Area (2026)
This metro area crosses state lines, so it is shown as one table per state. Each state rates its districts on its own test, and a 9/10 in one state is not comparable with a 9/10 in another.
Counties are assigned to metropolitan areas using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 delineation, and each district is placed in the county of its NCES directory listing. Ratings come from KSA 2024–25 (Kentucky); IAR 2023–24 (Illinois) and are percentile-ranked within the district's own state. Always confirm your assignment by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best-rated school district in the Kentucky part of the Paducah, KY-IL metro area? ▼
Among the 5 rated districts in the Kentucky part of the Paducah, KY-IL metro area, the highest-rated is McCracken County School District (Paducah), rated 10/10 (Excellent) and in the 91st percentile of Kentucky districts on KSA 2024–25 reading and math proficiency.
What is the best-rated school district in the Illinois part of the Paducah, KY-IL metro area? ▼
Among the 2 rated districts in the Illinois part of the Paducah, KY-IL metro area, the highest-rated is Massac Unit School District 1 (Metropolis), rated 9/10 (Excellent) and in the 80th percentile of Illinois districts on IAR 2023–24 reading and math proficiency.
Can I compare districts across state lines here? ▼
No. Each state uses its own assessment, so ratings and percentiles are only comparable among districts in the same state. Full methodology here.