Lexington Schools

Building on its early reputation as the Athens of the West, Lexington continues to excel in education. Along with some of the best public schools in the state, Lexington also has one of the best educated labor forces in the nation. Census data for cities over 250,000 people ranks Lexington as the thirteenth most highly educated in the nation based on the 39.1% of the population 25 years or older that has at least a Bachelor’s degree. Even more impressive, when education levels all the way down to high school graduates are considered, Lexington claims the title of second most educated workforce in the nation (Business Facilities, 2008), trailing only Seattle, Washington.

Elementary and Secondary Schools

Lexington’s public school system is highly rated in the state of Kentucky. It has achieved this distinction partially because of the educational attainment of its citizens and partially because of the achievements of its graduates. Lexington's high school juniors and seniors consistently achieve higher national testing scores compared to their peers across the state and are competitive around the nation. Fayette County Public Schools earned a Blue Ribbon in Expansion Management’s 2006 Education Quotient ratings, the only school district in Kentucky to achieve the ranking.

Fayette County Public Schools has also created a variety of magnet school programs. Of particular interest to the business community are the programs educating students in math, technology, applied skills and foreign languages. The two applied technology centers offer secondary students training in the principles of technology, graphic arts, electronics and other topics. For parents desiring a different educational venue, Lexington has a variety of private and parochial schools at all levels. There is even a Japanese Saturday School program.

The TOYOTA Manufacturing plant has created an increased Japanese presence in the Lexington area. To better serve the large Japanese foreign national population currently living in the Bluegrass, the University of Kentucky runs a Japanese Saturday School. The program is available to interested students from first through twelfth grade. In conjunction with the Japanese Saturday School, self-supporting opportunities are offered to enhance interaction with Japan and between the Japanese and American communities. Japanese Programs operates a Saturday kindergarten program for four and five-year-old children, and provides translation services, on-site training programs, and a variety of cultural and recreational experiences. In 2006, Fayette County Schools celebrated a groundbreaking for a new 13,000 square foot, $2 million facility. Roughly 290 students and 20 teachers are involved in this program.

For more information on Fayette County Public Schools, please visit www.fcps.net.