Figuring out Lexington schools (Clay: environment, rental, job)

[Micah Girl]

I have followed with interest many conversations about schools and school district. I know that in order to compare schools you are supposed to check out the report cards at Fayette County Public Schools | Lexington, Kentucky | It's About Kids! However, I have trouble understanding what the tests are supposed to tell me about the schools.

From what I have gathered on this forum the "best" schools (and the priciest houses) are the following:

Elementary:Rosa Parks, Veterans Park, Glendover, Cassidy

Middle: Morton

High School: Dunbar, Henry Clay

Am I missing any?

I am looking for good schools for #1 resale value and #2 good option for my kids if I choose not to homeschool. I would like safe, challenging and supportive school environments with good extracurriculars.

Also, what are the favorite private schools in the city? Which have the best reputation? If you work for the school can you sometimes get free tuition for your kids?

I have a 3rd grader, 2nd grader and kindergartener this fall. When we buy a house, though, I want to stay there pretty much forever and not have to trade up if I want my kids to go to a good public high school, for example.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by Micah Girl

I have followed with interest many conversations about schools and school district. I know that in order to compare schools you are supposed to check out the report cards at Fayette County Public Schools | Lexington, Kentucky | It's About Kids! However, I have trouble understanding what the tests are supposed to tell me about the schools.

From what I have gathered on this forum the "best" schools (and the priciest houses) are the following:

Elementary:Rosa Parks, Veterans Park, Glendover, Cassidy

Middle: Morton

High School: Dunbar, Henry Clay

Am I missing any?

I am looking for good schools for #1 resale value and #2 good option for my kids if I choose not to homeschool. I would like safe, challenging and supportive school environments with good extracurriculars.

Also, what are the favorite private schools in the city? Which have the best reputation? If you work for the school can you sometimes get free tuition for your kids?

I have a 3rd grader, 2nd grader and kindergartener this fall. When we buy a house, though, I want to stay there pretty much forever and not have to trade up if I want my kids to go to a good public high school, for example.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Oh, yes, and I know that there are some Spanish immersion programs. My children are bilingual and this would be a great option for us I think. Are these magnet programs or do you have to live in a certain place?

Thanks!

[patval]

I know the best school that I have been told is in Lexington bar none is Sayre but will set you back about 12,000 USD per student per year.


Paul

[lexingtongal]

The Spanish immersion program is at Maxwell Elementary and then goes to Bryan Station Middle and High. Normally the kids have to start in kindergarten, or 1st grade if proficient. Since your kids are bilingual I am not sure if there would be an exception or not. It would be worth a call to find out. Central office, now known as "It's About Kids" has someone there year round.
The schools you listed are going to have the neighborhoods associated with them that will have the best resale value.
imo-Lexington has several public schools (as noted above)) that rival the private schools,at least as indicated by test results. Save your money and use it to help your child with college

[gimme it]

Hi Micah Girl,
Beaumont is supposed to be a good middle school.

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by patval

I know the best school that I have been told is in Lexington bar none is Sayre but will set you back about 12,000 USD per student per year.


Paul

Oh, my, my that is expensive! I think I could only consider a private school if I got a job there as a teacher or administrator and was able to get free or drastically priced tuition.

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by lexingtongal

The Spanish immersion program is at Maxwell Elementary and then goes to Bryan Station Middle and High. Normally the kids have to start in kindergarten, or 1st grade if proficient. Since your kids are bilingual I am not sure if there would be an exception or not. It would be worth a call to find out. Central office, now known as "It's About Kids" has someone there year round.
The schools you listed are going to have the neighborhoods associated with them that will have the best resale value.
imo-Lexington has several public schools (as noted above)) that rival the private schools,at least as indicated by test results. Save your money and use it to help your child with college

Thanks for that info. I am thinking that Bryan Station (especially the hs) is not considered a great school?? I know that they just got a brand new building and that it's wired for lots of computers, but am I right that it's a bit "tough"? Not even sure why I think this since I don't YET live in Lexington, and I am not trying to offend anyone, just trying to get info that isn't included on a school website. I am also thinking that the Spanish immersion would be a more progressive program, too, however, and a big educational advantage to learn two languages while young. Anybody have personal experience with that program?

Also, are any of the high schools and middle schools--especially the good, college prep type--magnet schools that you can attend from any neighborhood in the city??

Thanks:-)

[Micah Girl]

Originally Posted by gimme it

Hi Micah Girl,
Beaumont is supposed to be a good middle school.

Thanks for the additional info!

[cartomanlex2]

My two youngest son attended Maxwell and were given an excellent education. While there, the school attained very high scores on the statewide tests and ranked in the top ten elementary schools in the state. Both are in Morton Middle now and have been on the honor roll with GPA's above 3.5 since they arrived.

Maxwell has high expectations and for the most, part parents who also expect the most from their kids. Parental commitment was the highest that I have experienced in Lexington schools. Parents volunteered on a regular basis to assist in the classroom, chaperoned for field trips, attended daytime school assemblies and supported the PTA and SBDM council.

I know of one instance when a child was admitted past the first grade, when she demonstrated ability in three languages(English, Spanish & Chinese).

My son took the ACT in the seventh grade(as part of the Duke TIP search) and along with six others from Maxwell received statewide recognition. I think this speaks highly of the program.

[paloma524]

I've been researching Lexington schools also and have found it helpful to go to GreatSchools.net. They have parent reviews and also a numeric rating system where they take into account all factors of a school and then assign it a number rating, with "10" being the best. The schools you listed earlier were ranked the best and another called Scapa at Bluegrass was rated a "10" as well. Good luck with your search!