JCPS Welcomes Students Back to School

More than 96,000 students headed back to classrooms for first time in 2 years 

August 11, 2021 –Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) opened its doors for full-time, five-day-a-week instruction on Wednesday, welcoming its more than 96,000 students back to classrooms for the first time in two years.

“I always say the start of school is one of my favorite days of the year, when you get to see the excitement and inspiration of our students and staff, and today didn’t disappoint,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio, who visited a record nine schools on the first day. “After the past 18 months, I know that our entire community was more than ready to get back to a more normal schedule and celebrate the first day of school with our kids in person.”

Click here for a look at back-to-school images from across the district!

Schools across the district welcomed students with balloons, banners and brightly colored signs.  Although masked, many students and staff couldn’t contain their excitement.

“Ali!  I remember you from the meet-and-greet!” exclaimed first year Jacob Elementary teacher LaPreesha Edison, welcoming the tentative first-grader to class. “Do you remember me?  I knew you did!”

This year’s opening included many highlights for the district:

  • Grace James Academy of Excellence opened in its permanent location at the former Roosevelt-Perry Elementary School, at 16th and West Broadway.  The all-girls science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) middle school previously shared space at the DuValle Education Center.
  • The W.E.B DuBois Academy welcomed its first class of high school students.  The school was originally opened as an innovative middle school offering an Afrocentric and multicultural curriculum that was expanded to ninth-graders starting this year, and will eventually go through 12th grade.
  • The historic Academy @ Shawnee opened to students who will be able to take classes in the newly renovated third floor, the first time students have been taught in the formerly condemned portion of the building in nearly 40 years.

“It was a great first day,” Pollio said.  “Already, I’m seeing passion and energy in our schools that I’m confident will translate into engaging, exciting experiences for our students.”