Floyd County offers physician families a range of educational pathways, from traditional public schools to distinguished private academies and accelerated college programs. The district demonstrates a commitment to innovation, including an early college academy where students can earn an associate degree alongside their high school diploma and a STEM-focused School of Innovation that received Kentucky's first Infosys Foundation grant. For families seeking private education, two exceptional options stand out: Wesley Christian School, ranked among Kentucky's top private schools, and The Piarist School, a tuition-free Catholic college preparatory academy where 100% of graduates attend four-year colleges.
Higher education access is immediate, with Big Sandy Community and Technical College headquartered in Prestonsburg and the University of Pikeville, home to the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, just 27 miles away. KYCOM holds its White Coat Ceremony at Prestonsburg's Mountain Arts Center, reflecting the close connection between the region's educational and healthcare communities.
Floyd County Schools serves approximately 6,000 students across 13 schools, with a mission to provide safe, supportive learning environments that prepare students to be globally productive citizens. The district spends $14,193 per student annually and maintains 100% licensed teachers. Superintendent Tonya Williams leads a district focused on continuous improvement, and recent assessments show 13 of 17 grade-band groups either maintained or increased performance levels.
Prestonsburg Elementary School serves students in grades PK-5 at 140 S Clark Drive. The school provides foundational education with a focus on literacy and numeracy, preparing students for middle school transition.
James D. Adams Middle School serves grades 6-8 in Prestonsburg. The school offers core academics, extracurricular activities, and preparation for high school coursework. The school is working to improve academic outcomes through focused literacy and math instruction, data analysis, and tiered academic supports.
Prestonsburg High School educates approximately 498 students in grades 9-12. The school has achieved notable metrics:
The Blackcats compete in KHSAA athletics, with football played at Josh Francis Memorial Field, soccer, baseball, and softball at StoneCrest, basketball and volleyball in the Blackcat Field House, and tennis at Archer Park courts. The school emphasizes shared responsibility between community and school for student success.
Floyd Central High School, located in Eastern, is ranked 121st in Kentucky. The school resulted from the 2017 consolidation of Allen Central and South Floyd High Schools, providing students with expanded course offerings and facilities.
Betsy Layne High School serves approximately 530 students with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. Students describe an "amazing environment" where "school administration, educators, and all staff care about the student experience."
Additional Elementary Schools include Allen Elementary (PK-8), Betsy Layne Elementary (PK-8), Duff-Allen Central Elementary (PK-8), John M. Stumbo Elementary (PK-8), May Valley Elementary (PK-8), and South Floyd Elementary (PK-8).
Floyd County Early College Academy (FCECA) represents a collaboration between Floyd County Schools and Big Sandy Community and Technical College. Located on the BSCTC Prestonsburg campus, FCECA enables students to earn a high school diploma while simultaneously completing an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. This dual-enrollment model provides motivated students a significant head start on their college education at no additional cost, allowing them to enter a four-year university as juniors.
Floyd County School of Innovation (FCSI) focuses on STEM education and career pathway exploration. Located in Martin, the school provides personalized, innovative learning experiences for students in grades 8-12 who apply and are accepted. FCSI made history as the first school in Kentucky to receive an Infosys Foundation grant ($10,000), recognizing its commitment to computer science and maker education. Teacher Tabitha Berger was featured on CBS's "Mission Unstoppable" for her work establishing robotics programs at Floyd County middle schools. Additional STEM grants have funded drones for coding and real-world applications like search and rescue simulations.
Floyd County Area Technology Center in Martin provides career and technical education to high school students throughout the county. Students can pursue industry certifications and hands-on training in various trades while completing their high school requirements.
Dual Credit Opportunities are available through partnerships with Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Eastern Kentucky University, and other Kentucky institutions. Students with a minimum 2.5 GPA can earn college credit at reduced tuition rates, with many courses offered at their high school, online, or on college campuses. Kentucky's dual credit policy ensures these courses transfer to any public Kentucky university.
Advanced Placement Courses are offered at Prestonsburg High School and other county high schools, allowing students to pursue college-level coursework and potentially earn college credit through AP examinations.
Wesley Christian School in Allen (approximately 10 miles from Prestonsburg) offers an exceptional private education option for physician families. Operated by Allen Christ United Methodist Church and accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Wesley Christian consistently ranks among Kentucky's finest private schools.
Parent reviews describe teachers who are "effective and educated" and who "care, work hard, and are prepared every day to help my child be successful." The school integrates biblical teaching with rigorous academics, preparing students for college and beyond.
The Piarist School in Hager Hill (approximately 18 miles from Prestonsburg) provides an extraordinary opportunity: a tuition-free Catholic college preparatory education with remarkable outcomes. Operated by the Piarist Fathers since 1990, this small school achieves results that rival Kentucky's most elite private institutions.
The Piarist School serves students from Floyd, Knott, Pike, Johnson, Lawrence, and Magoffin counties, with free transportation provided to certain areas. Students must pass an entrance examination for admission. The school offers National Honor Society, Academic Team, Spanish Club, Chess Club, Drama Club, Science Olympiad, Knights for Christ, and KHSAA athletics.
Students praise the school's "tuition-free environment where students can become college ready" and describe it as "a shining light" offering "education far superior to any surrounding schools." The 2:1 student-teacher ratio ensures individualized attention, and free tutoring is available to all students. An Outreach Program connects students with community service and provides support to families in need.
The David School in David (approximately 15 miles from Prestonsburg) serves a specialized mission. Founded in 1974, this non-profit school provides second-chance education for Appalachian youth who thrive in non-traditional settings. With a 5-6:1 student-teacher ratio and focus on dignity, respect, and individualized learning, The David School helps students who have struggled elsewhere find success. The school emphasizes Appalachian heritage, community service, and hands-on learning.
Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) is headquartered on the Prestonsburg campus, providing immediate access to affordable higher education. Part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, BSCTC offers more than 30 academic and technical programs and 200+ credentials across four campuses (Prestonsburg, Pikeville, Paintsville, and Hager Hill).
Popular programs include Liberal Arts and Sciences, Registered Nursing, and Electrician certifications. The Go2Work program provides accelerated training for high-demand careers in two years or less, while Go2Transfer facilitates seamless transition to four-year institutions. The Prestonsburg campus also houses the East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium, serving as a regional hub for STEM education.
University of Pikeville is located 27 miles from Prestonsburg in Pikeville. This private liberal arts university, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Of particular note for physician families is the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM).
KYCOM has earned national recognition for producing primary care physicians who serve rural and underserved communities:
KYCOM's White Coat Ceremony is held at Prestonsburg's Mountain Arts Center, symbolizing the strong connection between the medical school and the region it serves. The Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program offers motivated high school seniors an 8-year pathway (4+4) leading to both bachelor's and D.O. degrees.
Regional Four-Year Universities within reasonable driving distance include:
East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium on the BSCTC Prestonsburg campus provides STEM enrichment for students of all ages. The facility features:
Floyd County Public Library (229 S Lake Drive, Prestonsburg) provides educational support including children's programming, homework assistance, and access to educational databases and materials.
Kentucky Educational Television (KET) offers educational programming and online learning resources available throughout the state.
For physician families, Prestonsburg and Floyd County offer educational pathways that range from strong traditional public schools to nationally recognized private academies. The Floyd County Early College Academy provides ambitious students the opportunity to complete an associate degree before high school graduation. Private options like Wesley Christian School and The Piarist School deliver exceptional outcomes, with the latter offering tuition-free college preparatory education with a 100% four-year college attendance rate. Add immediate access to community college education and proximity to the University of Pikeville's medical school, and families will find an educational environment that supports children from kindergarten through professional school, nurturing their development into confident, capable individuals prepared for success at any university or career path they choose.
