GR Hampton Elementary has been recognized as a “Bright Spot,” earning the distinction of being the top-rated school in Kentucky for third-grade reading achievement while beating the odds. The school was recently featured in a series highlighting schools where all students learn to read, regardless of zip code or poverty rate.
The news was shared nationally through “The 74” nonprofit news organization covering America’s education system from early childhood through college and career. In a recent article, the organization called out 255 of those Bright Spots — five public schools in every state and Washington, D.C., that are beating the odds for their kids by the biggest margins. G.R. Hampton – #1 in Kentucky.
Traditionally, schools serving lower-poverty populations tend to post higher academic outcomes than those serving disadvantaged communities. However, GR Hampton Elementary has defied that trend. Located in Knox County, where the county poverty rate is 76%, GR Hampton proudly achieved a remarkable 95% proficiency rate in third-grade reading, proving that with the right systems and support in place, student success is possible.
Why Third-Grade Reading Matters
“Third grade is a critical milestone in a child’s educational journey,” explained Courtney Barnhill, principal at G.R. Hampton. “Up through second grade, students are primarily learning to read. By third grade, the expectation shifts to reading to learn.”
Strong reading skills at this level are essential for success in all academic areas, as students must comprehend increasingly complex texts in science, social studies, math, and beyond. Research consistently shows that students who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to succeed academically, graduate high school, and pursue postsecondary opportunities. Conversely, students who struggle with reading at this pivotal point often face ongoing academic challenges. GR Hampton’s success in third-grade reading reflects a commitment not only to literacy instruction, but to setting students on a path for long-term success.
What It Means to Be #1 in Reading in Kentucky
“Being ranked #1 in the state for third-grade reading, according to this article,is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to the collective efforts of students, teachers, support staff, and families,” said Barnhill. “This ranking means that GR Hampton outperformed every other elementary school in Kentucky in third-grade reading achievement, demonstrating exceptional instructional practices, strong intervention systems, and a culture focused on continuous improvement.”
This distinction is especially meaningful given a high-poverty population. Achieving the top ranking in the state confirms that high expectations, evidence-based instruction, and intentional support can overcome barriers often associated with socioeconomic challenges.
“GR Hampton’s success serves as a model for what is possible when schools remain focused on equity, excellence, and student-centered learning.”
Building a Strong Literacy Foundation
GR Hampton continues to work tirelessly to build a strong literacy foundation for every student. Last year, the school implemented Amplify CKLA as its high-quality instructional resource, aligning with the rest of Knox County Schools. Recognizing that the implementation of a new curriculum requires intentional support, GR Hampton put additional structures in place to ensure teachers, and ultimately students, were successful.
Daily small-group instruction during the reading block is supported by a collaborative team that includes special education staff, Reading Recovery, the librarian, and even the physical education teacher. Additionally, GR Hampton launched weekly instructional planning sessions that bring reading teachers together with the principal and curriculum coach.
“These sessions allow staff to collaborate, align instruction with the Kentucky Academic Standards, share planning responsibilities, and design high-quality, engaging lessons that meet students’ needs,” explained Barnhill.
A cornerstone of GR Hampton’s success is its strong Professional Learning Community (PLC) process. Teachers engage in ongoing professional learning and use data to drive instructional decisions. Every three weeks during “data week,” teachers analyze student progress, identify mastered standards, and determine areas requiring additional support. Students are then strategically placed into WIN (What I Need) groups that provide targeted intervention without sacrificing core reading instruction. Teachers and students review progress weekly, empowering students to track their own data and set meaningful goals.
To further strengthen early literacy, GR Hampton provides an additional phonics block using UFLI in grades K–2. This ensures students develop strong decoding skills alongside CKLA instruction, setting them up for reading success by third grade. For students who need even more support, Tier III interventions are available through Reading Recovery and district-provided interventionists, offering individualized, one-on-one instruction.
A Culture of Excellence
Principal Barnhill is most proud of what test scores and rankings do not measure. GR Hampton Elementary has a long-standing culture of high expectations for both staff and students. For the third consecutive year, the school earned a Blue rating, the highest distinction, on the Kentucky Summative Assessment. This year’s achievements are even more notable as GR Hampton ranked #4 in the state for overall reading performance and #1 in Kentucky for third-grade reading.
These accomplishments reflect the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its belief that all students can achieve at high levels, no matter the odds.
Additional Resources:
“Top 5 Schools in Each State Beating the Odds in 3rd Grade Reading”
Published by The 74 on January 15, 2026
https://www.the74million.org/article/top-5-schools-in-each-state-beating-the-odds-in-3rd-grade-reading/