The Kentucky Department of Education unveiled its 2024-2025 Assessment and Accountability results this week, providing a comprehensive overview of public school performance across the state. This marks the third full year of Kentucky’s revamped accountability system, established in 2020. The report evaluates student performance in critical subject areas and offers overall indicators for schools and grade levels, enabling stakeholders to assess educational progress over time.
The accountability framework uses color-coded metrics to represent overall performance. Ratings range from red for significant decline to blue for substantial improvement. The current metrics are categorized as status indicators, while the previous year’s data allows for a change metric comparison. This year, the assessment includes results for students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 10, who participate in state tests known as Summative Assessments. The performance categories include “proficient” and “distinguished,” with the goal of advancing all students into higher performance tiers.
According to Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, “At the heart of Kentucky’s accountability system is a commitment to students. The system is designed to ensure that every learner is well-rounded, equipped with essential skills and prepared for success in college, career and beyond.”
Overall, the average kindergarten readiness rate remained unchanged from the 2022-2023 school year, despite a slight uptick in the previous year. Some districts in Northern Kentucky have experienced declines in readiness, while others, such as Southgate, have recorded significant increases. In 2024-2025, 71% of Southgate students entering kindergarten were deemed ready, outperforming regional averages. Superintendent Greg Duty credited the district’s focus on early childhood education and its smaller size as key factors in this success.
District Performance Highlights
Statewide, composite ACT scores have seen a downward trend, although certain districts have reported slight improvements. For instance, Dayton achieved higher ratings for both middle and high school, moving from orange to yellow and from yellow to green, respectively. Superintendent Rick Wolff highlighted notable third-grade scores, which are predictive of future academic success.
In the Erlanger-Elsmere district, all elementary schools improved their overall ratings, with two reaching green status. Superintendent Chad Molley emphasized the importance of supporting the holistic needs of students, which has led to improved academic outcomes and positive survey results regarding school climate.
Conversely, Kenton County reported high overall ratings, with 14 out of 18 schools rated either green or blue. The district indicated that students consistently scored in the proficient or distinguished performance categories, except in high school science, which met state averages. The district also noted strong performances among English language learners.
Ludlow’s ratings revealed a mixed picture, with the middle school showing declines, although the district achieved a blue rating for post-secondary readiness. Superintendent Jason Steffen expressed satisfaction with the overall results of spring testing, emphasizing the programs in place to support student transitions after high school.
Newport’s overall ratings, while improved from the previous year, remain among the lowest in the region. The district reported positive growth in combined reading and math indicators at various grade levels. Acting Superintendent Matt Atkins remarked on the gains made in the English Learner program and an increase in the high school graduation rate.
Walton-Verona emerged as one of the highest-rated districts, with 22 out of 26 assessments showing increased percentages of proficient and distinguished students. Superintendent Matt Baker expressed pride in the district’s results, highlighting the commitment of the community to educational excellence.
Families and stakeholders interested in more detailed metrics can explore the state’s data dashboard for comprehensive breakdowns and trends. While many districts are celebrating improvements, the mixed results highlight ongoing challenges and the need for continued focus on educational quality and student support across Kentucky.
