FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - New data suggests that less than half of the Kentucky students are actually prepared.

Parents are starting to digest these numbers, representing their children's school and how they faired under a new learning and testing system designed to better prepare students for college and careers.

According to the Kentucky Department of Education, 47% of Kentucky's public high school students are prepared for college and careers.

The information collected from the Unbridled Learning Accountability model demonstrates that this is an increase from the 2010-2011 school year, when only 38% were considered college or career ready.

Under this new system, public schools and districts receive scores on a scale of 0 to 100.

The statewide overall score is 55.2. Elementary ranks the highest with 57.3. High schools have a 54.8 and middle schools have a 53.5.

Fayette County Public Schools rank 54th out of 174 districts.

Fayette County Superintendent Tom Shelton explains the numbers indicate a bench mark of where we are and where the district needs to go.

"Some schools have different labels. Each of those schools has our full commitment and our full support to deal with the issues to make sure that all of those students reach proficiency," said Shelton.

For parents in Fayette County that would like to learn more about scores and rankings, there will be some informational sessions throughout the month at various high schools in Lexington.