Kenton County elementary students outscored the state average by four to seven percentage points in reading and math on last year's standardized tests, according to results the district is highlighting as the Aug. 19 first day of school approaches.

The 2024-25 Kentucky Summative Assessment data, now featured prominently on the district's website, shows KCSD students beat state benchmarks at every grade band in both subjects. The margins were widest in elementary math, where 38% of district students scored proficient compared to 31% statewide, and in the "distinguished" category, where KCSD elementary readers outpaced the state 25% to 19%.

High school math showed the largest gap: 36% of KCSD students scored proficient versus 28% statewide. At the middle school level, 33% hit proficiency in math (state: 29%) and 32% in reading (state: 28%).

The results cover students at schools serving Fort Mitchell, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Villa Hills and Fort Wright, including Caywood Elementary, Hinsdale Elementary, Turkey Foot Middle School and Dixie Heights High School.

Fourteen of the district's 18 schools earned green or blue ratings, the two highest tiers in Kentucky's color-coded accountability system, when the Kentucky Department of Education released the scores in November 2025. The only subject where KCSD performed at the state average rather than above it was high school science, according to Link NKY's reporting at the time. The district said in November it remained committed to continuous improvement and ensuring high-quality learning experiences for every student.

The gains fit a broader pattern. As we reported July 28, KCSD posted a 96.96% transition-ready rate and a 99.36% graduation rate for the class of 2025. Superintendent Henry Webb told Link NKY on July 28 that "the district's transition readiness rate has grown greatly in recent years."

The board also approved a two-year contract with Accelerate Learning, the company behind Math Nation, at its June 1 meeting. The new curriculum resource could support continued gains in math proficiency across the district's elementary and middle schools.

KCSD's first day of school is Aug. 19.