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State: Kentucky

Kentucky State Guide

Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

If you live in Kentucky and face a K-12 education decision for your child, this post is for you. Where you send your child to school impacts whether they are inspired, happy, and equipped for success (no pressure, right?). You may have more school options than you realize! This post will breakdown the types of schools available to you in Kentucky, as well as provide additional education resources. 

In Kentucky, you can choose from traditional public schoolspublic magnet schoolsprivate schoolsonline learninghomeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Kentucky at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Kentucky Traditional Public Schools

Most children in Kentucky (and in America) attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. On average, Kentucky spends $12,126 per public school student each year.

Kentucky has more than 170 public school districts and flexible open enrollment for public school. What this means is that in many cases you can choose to send your child to a public school in your district other than the one you have been assigned. Additionally, as of July 2022, all Kentucky families are able to apply to public schools in other districts. The receiving district can set capacity limits, but must otherwise have a policy allowing for admission of non-resident students. If you would like to participate in open enrollment, contact your local district to learn more. In some cases, receiving districts in Kentucky charge fees for out-of-district students.

Open enrollment is a valuable school choice. Just remember to ask the deadline and application process for any public school district you are interested in transferring into. For example, open enrollment in Fayette County Public Schools usually takes place after spring break each year. Additionally, keep in mind that high school students who transfer may be required to wait a year before participating in athletics at their new school.

Find out more about public schools in your state at Kentucky’s Department of Education. If you live in Jefferson County, the largest school district in Kentucky, note that the district’s assignment plan will be dramatically changing starting in the 2023-2024 school year. “Choice zones” will be established to give families more options near their homes and expand magnet offerings.

Kentucky Charter Schools

In 2017, Kentucky became the 44th state in the country to allow charter schools. However, no charter schools have opened in Kentucky so far due to the fact that permanent funding for charters was not approved until spring 2022. Now that funding measures have been approved, new charter schools may be approved soon, so stay tuned!

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have the freedom to innovate while being held accountable for student achievement. Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves, whether that be providing a language immersion program or offering a rigorous, literacy-based curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance.

You can learn more at the Kentucky Department of Education.

Kentucky Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to focus on specific themes, like science or the performing arts. Kentucky has a variety of magnet schools and programs spread throughout the state, including in Mason County School DistrictFayette County Public Schools and Jefferson County Public Schools. Fayette County Public Schools, for instance, describes how it has magnet schools with these focuses: “Biomedical sciences (Frederick Douglass High School); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Tates Creek High School); traditional programs (LTMS); individually prescribed education (Dixie); Spanish immersion (Maxwell and Bryan Station middle and high); science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM Academy and Rise STEM Academy for Girls); and curriculum taught through the lens of African-American history and culture (Carter G. Woodson academies).” And, while not a full magnet school, Central High School offers Louisville students a chance to participate in a pre-medical magnet program.

Kentucky Private Schools

Families in Kentucky can also consider private schools, nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Private schools may offer a unique curriculum, smaller class sizes, or a faith-based tradition. Kentucky’s more than 380 private schools come in all shapes and forms, from religious schools to schools designed for children with special needs. The average tuition for private schools in the state is $6,941 for elementary schools and $8,077 for high schools.

In 2021, Kentucky created a unique private school choice program. Through it, low-income families would be eligible for flexible funding to use at a public or private school of their choosing. This program, the nation’s first education savings account program funded by tax-credit donations, was ruled unconstitutional in 2022. However, other privately funded scholarships may be available.

Learn more at EdChoice KY, the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, and Private School Review: Kentucky.

Kentucky Online Learning

Whether your child wants to accelerate his or her learning or needs a quieter environment in which to focus, you may be interested in giving virtual school a try. While many states have free, full-time virtual schools available statewide, Kentucky does not yet have such an option. However, part-time or full-time courses may be available at a cost via Barren Academy of Virtual and Expanded Learning (BAVEL), The Corbin School of Innovation, or Jefferson County Public Schools eSchool. In some cases, schools may cover costs for a student’s online courses. More information on these paid options is available on the Kentucky Department of Education website.

There are also some district online learning programs, such as Hardin County Schools Online Academy, Success Academy’s Virtual Learning Center, Christian County Public Schools Virtual Learning Academy, Kenton County School District Virtual Learning Program, and Bullitt Virtual Learning Academy.

Plus, there are private, full-time online schools that are available for a fee in all 50 states, such as George Washington University Online High SchoolThe Keystone SchoolExcel High School, and K12 Private Academy.

To read more about online learning in Kentucky, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Kentucky Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another school option; it is the process of parents educating students at home. Families in all 50 states can homeschool. As technology and school choices have spread in Kentucky, homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice with more support than ever.

In Kentucky, notice of your intent to homeschool is required annually within two weeks of the school year beginning or ten days prior to starting if you are starting mid-year. This notification should be sent to the superintendent of the local school board. It is recommended that you formally withdraw from your public school so your student is not marked truant. (Note that since there isn’t a homeschool statute in Kentucky, homeschool families technically operate under the private school statute.)

If you choose to homeschool, you are required to teach specific subjects (like reading, writing, math, and history) but specific standardized tests are not required. In general, children who are homeschooled may face roadblocks if they want to participate in public school sports or activities in Kentucky. However, you can always look for other leagues or co-ops near you!

Homeschool parents are required to report basic information such as names and ages of students, but local school districts are never allowed to demand information that is not legally required. You can find a great how-to at the Home School Legal Defense Association about homeschooling in Kentucky.  You may also wish to check out Christian Home Educators of Kentucky.

Kentucky Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, many Kentucky families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are a couple examples of microschools and related resources in Kentucky:  

Wilmore Crossing Academy is a microschool with intentionally small class sizes that are often held outdoors. 

Sphinx Academy is a full-time microschool in Lexington for gifted and talented highschoolers. 

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

Download the School Choice Snapshot for Kentucky

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What is School Choice

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

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Choosing the Right School

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

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Search for Schools Near Me

School Type
Traditional public schools do not charge tuition. They are managed by school districts and do not require students to pass tests to enroll.
Public charter schools do not charge tuition. They are usually managed by nonprofit organizations and do not require students to pass tests to enroll.
Public magnet schools do not charge tuition. They are managed by school districts and focus on themes, such as math, science, technology, and the arts.
Private schools charge tuition, but scholarships are often available via state programs or by individual schools. Private schools are privately managed and can be faith-based or secular.
Grade Levels

      Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning

      How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

      Read More

      7 Step Guide

      Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

      View Guide

      Education Resources for
      Kentucky Parents

      For additional information about school choices in
      Kentucky, visit these resources:

      Every state is different when it comes to school choice options.

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      Landmarks Across America Shine for School Choice Week 2023!

      Soon, from Alaska to New York, America will light up in yellow and red to raise awareness about K-12 education opportunities. During National School Choice Week, happening January 22–28, 2023, close to 3 dozen iconic landmarks or notable buildings will sparkle in red and yellow and play a role in festivities for National School Choice Week 2023.

      ALABAMA
      January 26, 2023 Montgomery RSA Tower in Montgomery, Alabama
      January 26, 2023 Mobile RSA Tower in Mobile, Alabama
      ALASKA
      January 22-28, 2023 Anchorage Anchorage JL Tower in Anchorage, Alaska
      ARIZONA
      January 25, 2023 Eloy Eloy Water Tower in Eloy, Arizona
      ARKANSAS
      January 22-28, 2023 Little Rock Union Plaza Building in Little Rock, Arkansas,
      January 23, 2023 Little Rock Junction Bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas
      January 23, 2023 Little Rock Clinton Presidential Park Bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas
      January 23, 2023 Little Rock Main Street Bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas
      COLORADO
      January 22-28, 2023 Denver McNichols Civic Center in Denver, Colorado
      FLORIDA
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Brorein Street Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Fortune Street Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Brorein Street Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Kennedy Boulevard Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Platt Street Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Old City Hall in Tampa, Florida
      January 22-28, 2023 Fort Lauderdale Las Olas City Centre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
      January 22-28, 2023 West Palm Beach Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach, Florida
      GEORGIA
      January 22-28, 2023 Atlanta King and Queen Building in Atlanta, Georgia
      January 22-28, 2023 Atlanta One Atlantic Center Fountain in Atlanta, Georgia
      IDAHO
      January 22-28, 2023 Boise Eighth & Main Office Tower in Boise, Idaho
      INDIANA
      January 25, 2023 Indianapolis AES Indiana in Indianapolis, Indiana
      January 25, 2023 Indianapolis Monument Circle in Indianapolis, Indiana
      KANSAS
      January 22, 2023 Overland Park Lighton Tower in Overland Park, Kansas
      KENTUCKY
      January 22-24, 2023 Louisville Big Four Bridge in Louisville, Kentucky
      LOUISIANA
      January 22-28, 2023 New Orleans Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
      January 22-28, 2023 Baton Rouge Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
      MASSACHUSETTS
      January 25, 2023 Worcester Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge in Worcester, Massachusetts
      January 25, 2023 Boston The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts
      NEBRASKA
      January 24, 2023 Omaha Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in Omaha, Nebraska
      NEW YORK
      January 22-28, 2023 New York The Helmsley Building in New York City, New York,
      January 24, 2023 Buffalo Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York
      January 26, 2023 Niagara Falls Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls, New York
      NORTH CAROLINA
      January 26, 2023 Winston-Salem Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
      OHIO
      January 22-28, 2023 Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,
      OKLAHOMA
      January 25, 2023 Oklahoma City Crystal Bridge Conservatory in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
      January 25, 2023 Oklahoma City Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
      PENNSYLVANIA
      January 23, 2023 Pittsburg Koppers Building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
      January 23, 2023 Pittsburg Rugby's Gulf Tower Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
      SOUTH CAROLINA
      January 23, 2023 Columbia Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, South Carolina
      SOUTH DAKOTA
      January 25-27, 2023 January 23, 2023 Arc of Dreams in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
      WASHINGTON
      January 28, 2023 Seattle Columbia Center in Seattle, Washington
      WYOMING
      January 24, 2023 Laramie Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center in Laramie, Wyoming

      If you know of a building in your community that would light up for National School Choice Week, please reach out to our team! Send us an email.

      For journalists covering the Week, more information and resources to enhance your coverage on a variety of platforms can be found on our media resources page. For families interested in discovering more about the different school choice options available in their home state please visit your state page for a detailed roadmap.

      National School Choice Week (NSCW) informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover the K-12 education options available for their children, including traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and homeschooling.

      Every January, tens of thousands of schools, organizations, and individuals plan unique events and activities to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options in their communities.  The Week is a project of the nonpartisan, nonpolitical National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

      From Alaska to New York, America will light up in yellow and red to raise awareness about K-12 education opportunities during National School Choice Week 2022 (January 23-29). 

      Close to 3 dozen iconic landmarks or notable buildings will sparkle in red and yellow. Enjoy our gallery and click on each location for details. 

      VIEW PHOTO GALLERY: America Shines for School Choice Week

      PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to visit in person please check the local public health guidelines for your location and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

      Alabama: The Retirement Systems of Alabama Tower, Montgomery will light up from dusk – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 26.
      The Retirement Systems of Alabama Tower, Mobile will light up from dusk – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 26.
      Alaska: The JL Tower, Anchorage will light up in red from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Arkansas: Union Plaza Building, Little Rock will light up from dusk – dawn all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Colorado: The McNichols Civic Center, Denver will light up in red from dusk – dawn during the week Jan. 23-29.
      Florida: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, West Palm Beach will light up from 6:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Georgia: The King and Queen Building, Atlanta will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Hawaii: The Aloha Tower, Honolulu will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Idaho: The Eighth & Main office tower in Downtown Boise will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      US Bank Plaza in Downtown Boise will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Indiana: Monument Circle in Indianapolis will light up from dusk to dawn on Jan. 25.
      Kentucky: The Big Four Bridge, Louisville will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      Maryland:  The Maryland Governor’s House, Annapolis, Maryland will light up from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
      Massachusetts: Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Leonard Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Longfellow Bridge, Boston will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Fore River Bridge, North Weymouth will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Minnesota: Saint Anthony Falls Bridge, Minneapolis will light up from sunset – sunrise on Jan 24.
      Sperry Tower, Eagan will light up from sunset – sunrise on Jan 24.
      Missouri: Kansas City Power and Light Building, Kansas City will light up in yellow on Jan. 29.
      Nevada: Henderson Water Street District, Henderson will light up on Jan. 25.
      New York: Niagara Falls will light up from 10:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. on Jan. 27.
      The Helmsley Building, New York City will light up from dusk – 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 23.
      North Carolina: Wells Fargo Duke Energy Center in Charlotte will light up from sunset – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 23.
      Reynolds Building/Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      Ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Oklahoma: Skydance Bridge, Oklahoma City will light up from sundown – sunrise on Jan. 27.
      Pennsylvania: Koppers Building, Pittsburgh will light up on Jan. 28.
      South Carolina: The South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, Columbia will light up on Jan. 24.
      Texas: McLennan County Courthouse, Waco  light up all week.
      Washington: Columbia Center, Seattle will light up from 12:30 pm – midnight on Jan. 22.
      Wyoming: The Marian H.Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 22.

      The landmarks’ sparkling red and yellow lights will play a role in this year’s festivities for National School Choice Week. Families are invited to capture pictures of the landmarks’ lights (or their own at-home red and yellow light displays!) to share on social media with the hashtag #SchoolChoiceWeek.

      In addition to the light displays, National School Choice Week 2022 will feature more than 26,000 virtual or socially-distanced celebrations across the country––including social media contests, drive-in movie screenings, and scavenger hunts, and virtual school fairs––to spread awareness of school and scholarship opportunities. 

       

      If you know of a building in your community that would light up for National School Choice Week, please reach out to our team! Send us an email.

      For journalists covering the Week, more information and resources to enhance your coverage on a variety of platforms can be found on our media resources page. For families interested in discovering more about the different school choice options available in their home state please visit your state page for a detailed roadmap.

      Soon, from Alaska to New York, America will light up in yellow and red to raise awareness about K-12 education opportunities. During National School Choice Week, happening January 22–28, 2023, close to 3 dozen iconic landmarks or notable buildings will sparkle in red and yellow. Enjoy our gallery from previous years and check back soon for locations and details. 

      VIEW PHOTO GALLERY: America Shines for School Choice Week

      <!– PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to visit in person please check the local public health guidelines for your location and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

      Alabama: The Retirement Systems of Alabama Tower, Montgomery will light up from dusk – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 26.
      The Retirement Systems of Alabama Tower, Mobile will light up from dusk – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 26.
      Alaska: The JL Tower, Anchorage will light up in red from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Arkansas: Union Plaza Building, Little Rock will light up from dusk – dawn all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Colorado: The McNichols Civic Center, Denver will light up in red from dusk – dawn during the week Jan. 23-29.
      Florida: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, West Palm Beach will light up from 6:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Georgia: The King and Queen Building, Atlanta will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Hawaii: The Aloha Tower, Honolulu will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Idaho: The Eighth & Main office tower in Downtown Boise will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      US Bank Plaza in Downtown Boise will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Indiana: Monument Circle in Indianapolis will light up from dusk to dawn on Jan. 25.
      Kentucky: The Big Four Bridge, Louisville will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      Maryland:  The Maryland Governor’s House, Annapolis, Maryland will light up from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
      Massachusetts: Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Leonard Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Longfellow Bridge, Boston will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Fore River Bridge, North Weymouth will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Minnesota: Saint Anthony Falls Bridge, Minneapolis will light up from sunset – sunrise on Jan 24.
      Sperry Tower, Eagan will light up from sunset – sunrise on Jan 24.
      Missouri: Kansas City Power and Light Building, Kansas City will light up in yellow on Jan. 29.
      Nevada: Henderson Water Street District, Henderson will light up on Jan. 25.
      New York: Niagara Falls will light up from 10:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. on Jan. 27.
      The Helmsley Building, New York City will light up from dusk – 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 23.
      North Carolina: Wells Fargo Duke Energy Center in Charlotte will light up from sunset – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 23.
      Reynolds Building/Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      Ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Oklahoma: Skydance Bridge, Oklahoma City will light up from sundown – sunrise on Jan. 27.
      Pennsylvania: Koppers Building, Pittsburgh will light up on Jan. 28.
      South Carolina: The South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, Columbia will light up on Jan. 24.
      Texas: McLennan County Courthouse, Waco  light up all week.
      Washington: Columbia Center, Seattle will light up from 12:30 pm – midnight on Jan. 22.
      Wyoming: The Marian H.Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 22.

      The landmarks’ sparkling red and yellow lights will play a role in this year’s festivities for National School Choice Week. Families are invited to capture pictures of the landmarks’ lights (or their own at-home red and yellow light displays!) to share on social media with the hashtag #SchoolChoiceWeek.

      In addition to the light displays, National School Choice Week 2023 will feature more than 26,000 virtual or socially-distanced celebrations across the country––including social media contests, drive-in movie screenings, and scavenger hunts, and virtual school fairs––to spread awareness of school and scholarship opportunities. 

       

      –>
      If you know of a building in your community that would light up for National School Choice Week, please reach out to our team! Send us an email.

      For journalists covering the Week, more information and resources to enhance your coverage on a variety of platforms can be found on our media resources page. For families interested in discovering more about the different school choice options available in their home state please visit your state page for a detailed roadmap.

      National School Choice Week (NSCW) informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover the K-12 education options available for their children, including traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and homeschooling.

      Every January, tens of thousands of schools, organizations, and individuals plan unique events and activities to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options in their communities.  The Week is a project of the nonpartisan, nonpolitical National School Choice Awareness Foundation.