Grayson County Middle School has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report as a "Best Middle School" for its third consecutive ranking. Previously conducted on a three-year cycle, GCMS garnered the recognition in 2022 and 2025 for back-to-back honors. Rankings are now updated annually and include about 47,000 public elementary schools and more than 23,000 middle schools across the country.
Rankings are based on the mathematics and reading performance of public schools and analyzed at the state and district levels, as determined by state assessment scores as well as socioeconomic demographics. This process validates the high achievement levels of top-ranked schools and their success in providing quality education for all their students.
“U.S. News has rated middle schools 3 times now, and all 3 times, we've received the recognition,” said GCMS Principal Gary Parker.
“This is a tribute to our students and staff and their amazing efforts each day. With this accomplishment, as well as our KSA Blue status as one of the top 15% of Kentucky middle schools, we're very proud--but we realize we've got to strive even harder for improvement. It's all about each student improving.”