This page explains how to access Kentucky K-12 education data, including publicly available data resources and the process for requesting additional data from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).
Review Publicly Available Data
Before submitting a data request, requesters are encouraged to verify whether the needed information is already available through public data resources.
- ED Data Express is an interactive platform that allows users to explore and download state- and district-level education data submitted by states to the U.S. Department of Education. The data can be exported to Excel or analyzed directly on the site.
- Kentucky School Report Card Dashboard provides detailed information for each school and district, including assessment performance, teacher qualifications, student safety, awards, parent involvement, and much more. Data is available from the 2021-2022 school year through the most recent school year.
- Open House is a centralized portal for Kentucky public education data offering downloadable datasets across multiple subject areas. Data begins with the 2011-2012 school year through the current year.
- Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYStats) maintains Kentucky’s statewide longitudinal data system, responds to data requests, and publishes reports on a wide range of topics.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal agency for collecting and analyzing education data. NCES publishes reports, tools, and statistics to support research, policy, and public understanding.
Submit a Data Request (If Needed)
If the data you need is not publicly available, you may submit a formal request for consideration.
- KDE Online Data Request Form - KDE requires all internal and external data requests to be submitted through the KDE Online Data Request Form, regardless of whether the request involves personally identifiable information (PII).
- Provide all required information within 90 days of initial request. - Requesters must submit any additional information as requested within 90 days of the initial request.
- External Requests - External data requests (including requests from researchers, vendors, or organizations outside KDE) must be sponsored by a KDE associate commissioner.
- Dissertation Requests - KDE does not directly provide data for dissertation requests. Doctoral students may submit requests to the Kentucky Center for Statistics
(KYStats), which may be able to provide assistance.
KDE Data Request Review and Determination Process
KDE reviews each request on a case-by-case basis considering factors such as alignment with research priorities and the availability of staff resources. Requests that remain incomplete after 90 days will be rejected.
Complete a Memorandum of Understanding (If Required)
If KDE approves fulfilling a request that includes confidential or personally identifiable information (PII), a fully executed memorandum of understanding (MOU) is required before data is processed for disclosure.
- KDE-approved MOU templates:
- Use the FERPA Exceptions Summary to help identify the appropriate FERPA exception and MOU template, based on how you plan to use the requested data.
- All templates include provisions required by the Personal Information and Security Breach Investigation Procedures and Practices Act, KRS 61.931 et seq.
- If an MOU is required, the requester must submit their completed MOU signed by the authorized agent within 90 days of the data request. Requests without a completed MOU will be rejected.
- Submit your proposed MOU to KDE Data Services.