GOODBYE LCA! Tell me about the schools in LEX KY. (Lexington: elementary school, university)

[timelesschild]

Originally Posted by censusdata

Dunbar is by far the best high school in Lex - best academics, a campus that is better than many private colleges, and in the best part of town. Lafayette's building is a complete dump, I'm surprised no one's died from a chunk of asbestos hitting them in the head. They supposedly remodeled it when I was there (1999-2000) but the campus still stunk.

Oh please.....

It is true that Lafayette is due for a facelift. I believe it is scheduled to be next. If someone values new construction in a school, Dunbar is the way to go. Dunbar has other positive attributes as well. However, I wouldn't write off Lafayette - it has many positive attributes. I know you had a dismal experience, but know lots of others who did not.

[Occifer]

As to other private schools, both Lexington Catholic and Sayre have excellent reputations and would be good choices. As far as the academics go, every school is going to have honors and advanced placement courses that colleges like to see on high school transcripts.

Where you see a big difference between private and public schools is in the environment on campus. Private schools do not have to put up with the problem students that the public schools have to, as they simply expel them for rule violations. The high tuition costs at these schools also means that the schools are made up of mostly students coming from middle/upper-middle class households. Nearly 100% of the students who graduate from these schools are college-bound, compared with maybe 75-80% of those at public schools.

If the environment isn't a big deal to you or your kids, by all means put your kids in one of the public schools. Academically the private schools are no better. All the colleges really care about is having a good GPA and taking advanced courses.

[cynthia007]

Originally Posted by timelesschild

Oh please.....

It is true that Lafayette is due for a facelift. I believe it is scheduled to be next. If someone values new construction in a school, Dunbar is the way to go. Dunbar has other positive attributes as well. However, I wouldn't write off Lafayette - it has many positive attributes. I know you had a dismal experience, but know lots of others who did not.

I actually like the fact that Lafayette has a classic brick look. And from my experience, it looks fine on the inside. Actually looks updated!

My daughter went to a private school until last year, her Junior year at Lafayette. She is doing great...academically and socially. Her diverse group of friends are college bound, involved in sports, and involved in the community.

I suppose not everyone can have a positive high-school experience though. I understand that. Many times it's just easier to to blame the school

[LCA2013]

Originally Posted by cynthia007

I actually like the fact that Lafayette has a classic brick look. And from my experience, it looks fine on the inside. Actually looks updated!

My daughter went to a private school until last year, her Junior year at Lafayette. She is doing great...academically and socially. Her diverse group of friends are college bound, involved in sports, and involved in the community.

I suppose not everyone can have a positive high-school experience though. I understand that. Many times it's just easier to to blame the school

Why did you change, if you don't mind me asking? What I found out about my kids' school is not something I think would be allowed to be printed here. I know they will be fine socially and academically, but they have such clear goals and I want to be sure this continues. As my Mother use to say, "If it is not broken..."

Tell me more if you can.

[LCA2013]

Originally Posted by Occifer

As to other private schools, both Lexington Catholic and Sayre have excellent reputations and would be good choices. As far as the academics go, every school is going to have honors and advanced placement courses that colleges like to see on high school transcripts.

Where you see a big difference between private and public schools is in the environment on campus. Private schools do not have to put up with the problem students that the public schools have to, as they simply expel them for rule violations. The high tuition costs at these schools also means that the schools are made up of mostly students coming from middle/upper-middle class households. Nearly 100% of the students who graduate from these schools are college-bound, compared with maybe 75-80% of those at public schools.

the environment isn't a big deal to you or your kids, by all means put your kids in one of the public schools. Academically the private schools are no better. All the colleges really care about is having a good GPA and taking advanced courses.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a protective parent just like most. My kids have grown up with a lot of these kids. They are comfortable in this environment. They all started with this program at the age of three. They even go to church with a lot of their classmates. I know they will go to college. How do I put this? This environment has changed. I know I raised them with good hearts and minds, but I also, don't want them to think I condone what is happening and changing.

[LCA2013]

Originally Posted by teebird1012

Henry Clay has the Academy which simply put is an accelerated liberal arts curriculum. Dunbar has its Math/Science program while Lafayette has its Pre-engineering program. All three are great high schools, it just depends on what you're looking for. Size-wise, Dunbar is the largest, followed by Henry Clay, then Lafayette. I just graduated from Sayre on Saturday and while tuition is pretty steep now, the student:faculty ratio is 12:1 and the public schools can't beat that. The technology department at Sayre has managed to incorporate tools that you won't see in a public school setting either. I'm not taking a swing at the public schools as I think PLD, HC, and Laf. are all great schools in their own right.

CONGRATULATIONS! What do you plan to do? My final two kids are determined to go into medicine. So, Science and Math is very very important. How do you see your school ranking with these subjects and programs? What kind of Tech is in Sayre? Tell me more about your school.

I was talking to someone today about your school and they said they left because the tuition was more than any private school in Lexington and they still had to come up with all the extra funds to help the school. It had went beyond their reach with only one child. I know how hard it is for private schools, because I am an active parent that has helped with tons of fundraising. Privates do not have the taxpayers funding to depend on or stimulus dollars. My friend still said she did not think Sayre had advanced like Lexington Catholic or Trinity or LCA in many areas? Please share your experiences and advice. Thank you.

[LCA2013]

Originally Posted by timelesschild

Both Dunbar and Lafayette have excellent math/science programs.

Research is showing me that Dunbar is a process that is done the year before and only on the Freshmen Level. Math and Science Program? And, they only accept a few each year? Is this correct? Tell me more. What can you share with me about Dunbar? Do you have kids there or are you a graduate of that school? Do you know how many students are in classes and any other information that you could share since they only accept so few?

[LCA2013]

Originally Posted by censusdata

Dunbar is by far the best high school in Lex - best academics, a campus that is better than many private colleges, and in the best part of town. Lafayette's building is a complete dump, I'm surprised no one's died from a chunk of asbestos hitting them in the head. They supposedly remodeled it when I was there (1999-2000) but the campus still stunk.

You rate Dunbar as I have spoke of my kids school for so many years. Please give me some direction on what I should look for or see when I walk in to this school. Do you have kids there or are you a graduate? Give me the highs and lows. Thank you.

[lexingtongal]

Call the schools you're interested in and arrange a time to go in and talk with the principal! Dunbar's MSTC is a magnet program. I believe they accept 50 students per year. I don't know if they take students after 9th grade or not. Students have to test into the program. The Gifted/Talented office is over that program so you could call FCPS and talk to the director.

[cynthia007]

Originally Posted by LCA2013

Why did you change, if you don't mind me asking? What I found out about my kids' school is not something I think would be allowed to be printed here. I know they will be fine socially and academically, but they have such clear goals and I want to be sure this continues. As my Mother use to say, "If it is not broken..."

Tell me more if you can.

We moved to Lexington from another state. We chose public schools when we moved because we felt it would be a good experience for our shltered kids. No, the whole world doesn't go to Eurpope for Summer vacation, drive BMW's or have fifty pairs of designer jeans. So far so good.