Understanding the Kentucky Summative Assessment
The Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) measures student learning aligned with Kentucky Academic Standards. Results help schools and districts evaluate student achievement, identify areas for improvement, and guide instructional decisions.
Garrard County Schools’ 2026 results highlight significant gains at Garrard County High School, sustained performance across its elementary schools, and continued improvement efforts at Garrard Middle School. Across the district, educators are using assessment data, curriculum development, and professional learning to strengthen instruction and support student success.
Garrard County High School Earns First Blue Rating
Garrard County High School earned a Blue (Very High) overall rating for the first time in the 2026 accountability results.
The school’s overall index increased from 73.9 to 81.8, supported by gains in Reading and Mathematics. Reading proficiency rose from 43% to 60%, while the percentage of students performing at the novice level dropped from 30% to 16%.
Mathematics proficiency increased from 38% to 50%, while novice performance declined from 32% to 21%. The school also improved its Quality of School Climate and Safety indicator, increasing from 67.6 to 73.
These gains reflect ongoing curriculum work, clear learning targets aligned with state standards, rigorous assessments, and targeted support for students who need additional help.
High School Rankings
Ranked among the top 13% of public high schools statewide.
Placed 30th out of 228 public high schools across Kentucky.
Ranked 5th among high schools in the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC).
While the Blue rating marks an important milestone, the school will continue focusing on consistent instructional practices, curriculum alignment, and the use of student data to guide classroom decisions.
Garrard Middle School: Building on Academic Progress
Garrard Middle School’s overall accountability rating moved to Orange, but the results do show progress in several academic areas.
Reading proficiency has remained steady, with a six percentage point increase since 2022. Sixth grade Reading proficiency reached 52%, while Math, Science, and Writing have shown overall growth since pre-pandemic results.
To strengthen instruction, GMS has introduced new Reading and Math resources and expanded professional learning for teachers. Math teachers are participating in the Access to Algebra | AdvanceKentucky program which provides rigorous middle school mathematics training, resources, and student incentives under the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act.
Administrators also work with teachers through weekly guided planning and department professional learning communities. These efforts help staff examine student data, refine lessons, and align instruction with academic standards and student needs.
Elementary Schools Maintain Strong Performance
All three Garrard County Schools elementary schools earned a Green (High) overall rating in the 2026 accountability results.
Collectively, the elementary schools earned a federal indicator score of 83.3, accompanied with the state score of 78.4. Their Reading and Mathematics indicator scores were 87 federally and 81.4 at the state level. Science, Social Studies, and Writing scores were 78.3 federally and 74 at the state level. Quality of School Climate and Safety scores were 85.5 federally and 84.9 at the state level.
Student proficiency also increased across several subject areas. Elementary Reading proficiency rose from 59% to 64%, Science increased from 45% to 50%, and Social Studies improved from 47% to 52%.
Individual schools also recorded gains. Lancaster Elementary increased Math proficiency from 68% to 72%, Paint Lick Elementary raised Writing proficiency from 38% to 56%, and Camp Dick Robinson Elementary increased Reading proficiency from 64% to 69%.
These results reflect the work of teachers and administrators across all three schools, including their collaboration to strengthen instruction and create consistent, grade level learning experiences for students throughout the district.
Elementary School Rankings
Ranked among the top 11% of elementary schools statewide.
Placed 19th out of 171 elementary schools across Kentucky.
Ranked 3rd among elementary school districts in the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC).
Connecting Instruction to Student Growth
Across Garrard County Schools, educators are focused on the classroom practices that support student learning. Districtwide efforts include curriculum alignment, professional learning, and the use of student data to guide instruction.
Garrard County Schools Director of Teaching and Learning Holly Young said the results reflect continued investment in curriculum and instructional practices.
“We are encouraged by the progress we are seeing across Garrard County Schools and the impact of our continued investment in curriculum and instruction. Our elementary schools have demonstrated sustained improvement over the past four years and continue to build on that success. At the high school, intense work began last year, and we are excited to see that investment reflected in this year’s significant gains. Our middle school is now intensifying its focus on rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum and consistent instructional practices to build momentum for future growth. While each level is at a different point in this journey, our commitment is the same: to provide teachers with the resources, collaboration, and support they need to ensure high-quality instruction for every student. We know meaningful improvement takes time and intentional effort, and we will continue to use data to guide our decisions, strengthen our practices, and improve outcomes for all students.”
Holly Young | Director of Teaching and Learning, Garrard County Schools
At the elementary level, teachers and administrators are emphasizing student engagement with grade level work, academic discussion, and opportunities for students to explain their thinking. School leadership teams are also strengthening classroom walkthroughs, feedback, and coaching to support instructional growth.
Teachers use classroom assessments and daily student data to identify learning needs and adjust instruction. Elementary educators are also participating in the Kentucky Numeracy Academy to strengthen mathematics instruction.
At the middle and high school levels, new instructional resources, collaborative planning, curriculum alignment, and targeted student support remain central to improvement efforts.
Although each school has distinct priorities, the district shares a commitment to using data to inform instruction, maintaining high expectations, and providing students with consistent opportunities to learn and grow.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 KSA results highlight important accomplishments across Garrard County Schools, including Garrard County High School’s first Blue rating and continued Green ratings across all three elementary schools. They also identify areas where sustained attention and improvement remain necessary.
Superintendent Dr. Kalem Grasham said the district will build on its progress while maintaining its focus on strong instruction and student achievement.
“There is a lot to celebrate across Garrard County Schools, and these results are a reflection of the people who show up for our students every day. From our classrooms to our school leadership teams, our staff continues to work toward a shared goal of helping every student succeed. We want to build on this momentum, continue raising expectations, and ensure our students have the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need for the future. Our goal is to build the systems and practices that help every student succeed, year after year.”
Dr. Kalem Grasham | Superintendent, Garrard County Schools
While assessment results provide an important measure of progress, continued improvement depends on the daily work taking place in classrooms. Garrard County Schools will continue strengthening instruction, supporting collaboration, and using data to make decisions that put students first.