Feelings on this

[kentuckydad95]

As always, it's the Triangle. Hell...it's the only part of the state. Not sure why I even pay state taxes!!!

[nlschr0]

Originally Posted by jcm1986

Whatever you do, DO NOT enroll your kids in Bullitt, Spencer, or Shelby Counties' schools, as these systems consistently rank among the worst in the state.

...

(c) Lexington has a couple of strong magnet schools for the kiddos. As a rule, though, Fayette County Public Schools suck. The ONLY even moderately decent systems (based on test scores, anyway) within 45 minutes of Lexington are Frankfort Independent and Woodford County.[b][i]

Whatever you do stay away from Anderson, Clark, Scott, and Madison Counties' schools!

I'm curious how you determine your list of the best and worst schools.

Looking simply at CATS scores (which are the state's grade for school districts), it is clear that several of the districts you say are the worst actually score pretty well across the board:

For example, Shelby County's overall score is currently 81.3, and their elementary school score is almost 90.

Fayette's overall score is 85, but as a large metro county district it has scores ranging from low to high. As an example, Veteran's Park Elementary had a score of 122, which is exceptionally high. There are many options for excellent schools across Fayette County.

Jefferson's overall score is about 79, but again it is a very large district with high and low scores across the board. For example, one school that is consistently at the top of the state list of high schools is Manual, at a score of about 109. The caveat with JCPS is that their school assignment system is not based on a neighborhood school system but rather a cross-county cluster system that includes busing. The upside is a great magnet program offered across the county.

Scott County's overall score is about 86, and their overall elementary score is 98! Certainly not a school district to avoid based on academic performance.

Woodford County (which you recommended, and I agree has a good program) scored an 84.4.

One district that you recommend (Frankfort Independent) received an overall score of 79.5, putting it lower than the other districts mentioned on this page that you've listed as some of the "worst".

As an education professional, I do realize that there is more to a school's value than simply test scores, but I believe that the current test scores do offer contrary evidence to your claims especially since you've emphasized that you're basing your recs on test scores.

For more information, the current test scores are posted in several online places including the Courier-Journal: courier-journal.com » Kentucky CATS scores database » Louisville, KY

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by TiredOfChicago

I'm trying to figure out that I listed myself as relocatable why they would be scared but I am getting the same feeling. Although I must say I have been inundated with job interviews in Chicago (blah)

I agree. I have also stated in my letters of interest and resumes that I would relocate. I recently applied for a professional position in the Ville on the UPS site and what had me suspicious is that there were fields for my name, phone number, email address and ZIP CODE! When I hit the "continue" bar after filling that out, that was it. No way to upload or attach a resume, a cover letter, no address, hard to get a name contact. I think the zip code thing is perhaps a filtering tool. I don't know this for a fact but I thought it was strange. It's not very smart in this economy to pick up with no job unless you have family/friends in the area, so I understand, believe me.

[nlschr0]

My sister and brother-in-law are hoping to relocate from NC to a new state, and they are having much of the same problems. Even though they are both seeking professional-level positions (often with large corporate groups), they have actually been told, "Right now we are focusing on local area candidates".

[cobolt]

I also wanted to add that my visit to Lexington was frustrating. For a town with much smaller population than the Ville, the traffic was ridiculous and the place is incredibly spread out and sort of sprawlish, whereas the Ville was easy to navigate, drive, and very walkable. I made a vist to the Ville a few months ago. DM me if you have any questions from a visitor's point of view.

[rpb502]

Yea Lexington roads are terrible. Some similar sized have bypasses. Lexington needs one.

Louisville has two.

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by kentuckydad95

As always, it's the Triangle. Hell...it's the only part of the state. Not sure why I even pay state taxes!!!

Honey if I knew more about other areas I would defnately promote them but sadly I don't. I'm sorry

[dixiegirl7]

If you want more of a southern feel and area, you might also want to explore the Bowling Green area which is in the very southern most part of the state. Bowling Green offers the amnenities of a larger city with a small town feel. Also, the job market is very strong here and there are some excellent schools.

[kygman]

Originally Posted by missymomof3

Honey if I knew more about other areas I would defnately promote them but sadly I don't. I'm sorry

Missy, that's the way it's always been. If you're not in the "Triangle" you aren't part of Kentucky.

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by kygman

Missy, that's the way it's always been. If you're not in the "Triangle" you aren't part of Kentucky.

I disagree! All of Kentucky is part of Kentucky in my eyes, I just don't know enough about the other areas to tell about em. I do know what you are saying though and can understand your frustration.