#1 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Sayre School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The smallest classes of any independent school in Lexington
Lexington, KY
AOverall grade533 students8 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Kentucky. Top 15 of 15 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Capital Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Frankfort
Frankfort, KY
AOverall grade67 students5 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Walden School
Independent school · Grades K–12
90% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Louisville, KY
AOverall grade292 students8 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Kentucky Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest of 20 independent schools in Kentucky
Louisville, KY
AOverall grade801 students10 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Francis Parker School, Goshen Campus
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
94% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Goshen, KY
A-Overall grade442 students8 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Sayre School
Independent school · Grades K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Lexington, KY
A-Overall grade531 students10 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Scott Intermediate School
Independent school · Grades 5–6
One of the most diverse private schools in Kentucky
Fort Knox, KY
B+Overall grade237 students8 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Louisville Collegiate School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Kentucky
Louisville, KY
B+Overall grade767 students8 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
West End School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 65% of independent schools nationwide
Louisville, KY
BOverall gradeAll boys102 students6 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
St. Francis School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Small classes: about 8 students per teacher
Louisville, KY
BOverall grade433 students8 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Waldorf School of Louisville
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 77% since 2011–12
Louisville, KY
BOverall grade168 students13 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
The Virginia Chance School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
Growing: enrollment up 23% since 2011–12
Louisville, KY
BOverall grade133 students19 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Redwood Cooperative School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 21% since 2019–20
Lexington, KY
BOverall grade143 students9 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
University Heights Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Hopkinsville
Hopkinsville, KY
B-Overall grade388 students13 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in Kentucky
Lafontaine Preparatory School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
An independent school in Richmond
Richmond, KY
B-Overall grade110 students11 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.