- Austin Tracy Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 346 students
- Barren County High School — Grades 9–12 · 1220 students
- Eastern Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 347 students
- Hiseville Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 322 students
- Park City Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 290 students
- Red Cross Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 679 students
- Temple Hill Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 266 students
- Barren County Middle School — Grades 7–8 · 649 students
- College Street Campus — Grades 6–12 · 25 students
- BAVEL — Grades 1–12 · 227 students
- North Jackson Elementary — Grades PK–6 · 537 students
- Austin County Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 522 students
- Austin Central High School — Grades 9–12 · 720 students
- Lynn Camp Middle High School — Grades 6–12 · 447 students
- Austin County Learning Academy — Grades 6–12 · 52 students
- Austin Appalachian School — Grades 5–12 · 32 students
- Austin Inspire Academy — Grades K–12 · 11 students
| Metric | Barren County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 13 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Supervisory Union | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Near average |
About Barren County School District
Barren County School District serves zip code 42123, covering Austin, Kentucky with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Barren County School District reports per-pupil expenditure of approximately $10,500 per year, placing it near the Kentucky state average of approximately $10,500 and below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 11 schools, Barren County School District operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 5,224 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
Barren County School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 8/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Kentucky is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Barren County School District earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Kentucky. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 42123
Children in zip code 42123 are assigned to Barren County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 42123, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Barren County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Kentucky districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Austin
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Barren County School District serves zip code 42123, homes in and around zip code 42123 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Kentucky, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Barren County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 42123.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Barren County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 42123 data.