- Foster Heights Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 588 students
- Coxs Creek Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 474 students
- Bloomfield Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 225 students
- Nelson County Early Learning Center — Grades PK–PK · 150 students
- Old Kentucky Home Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 594 students
- Bloomfield Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 296 students
- Nelson County High School — Grades 9–12 · 756 students
- Thomas Nelson High School — Grades 9–12 · 629 students
- Boston School — Grades PK–8 · 251 students
- The New Haven School — Grades K–8 · 162 students
- The Academy at Horizons — Grades K–12 · 38 students
- Heartland Youth Village — Grades 6–12 · 15 students
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| Metric | Nelson County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 11 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,900/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About Nelson County School District
Nelson County School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 40004 in Nelson, Kentucky. Serving students from Pre-K – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 40004. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Nelson County School District spends approximately $11,900 per student per year, placing it 13% above the Kentucky state average of approximately $10,500 and below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 11 schools serving grades Pre-K – 12th, Nelson County School District qualifies as a large district serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), Nelson County School District ranks among Kentucky’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Kentucky is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Nelson County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Kentucky benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 40004
Children in zip code 40004 are assigned to Nelson County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 40004, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Nelson County School District at (502)349-7000 or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Kentucky districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Nelson
For families considering a purchase in the Nelson area, district assignment matters financially. Because Nelson County School District serves zip code 40004, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 40004. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Kentucky, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Nelson County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 40004.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Nelson County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 40004 data.