Middle School Choices 2022-23

Welcome to JCPS!

At Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), we have high expectations for each of our students and proudly offer a variety of schools, programs, and activities to engage your child.

JCPS offers unique learning opportunities to nearly 100,000 students across 168 schools. JCPS has more than two dozen middle schools that offer everything from gender-specific school environments, enhanced technology via partnerships with Verizon Innovative Learning, the opportunity to continue at the same school through twelfth grade, and many more exciting programs.

All of our schools share an unwavering focus on three key pillars: Backpack of Success Skills, Racial Equity, and Culture and Climate. Middle school students will continue building their academic and interpersonal skills as educators meet them where they are to provide equitable support and encourage leadership.

Whether your child is continuing their education in JCPS or is new to the district, we look forward to providing an exciting transition to middle school that reflects our strong commitment to every student’s educational development.

Our teachers are dedicated to helping sixth graders build the confidence they need to take on middle school challenges and to ensuring that seventh and eighth graders are prepared for high school work. But JCPS middle schools don’t just bridge the gap between the upper and lower grades—we know that the middle school years are a unique period of personal and academic growth. Our students discover new talents, explore new ideas, and develop new skills not only in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies but also in art, music, technology, world languages, career exploration, and college preparation.

As a part of the JCPS family, you will share the energy, purpose, passion, and pride that enable us to create a brighter future for students, families, businesses, and organizations in our community!

Dr. Marty Pollio
JCPS Superintendent

Contents

Let’s Get Started 
Next Steps
Explore Options
How to Choose
Resides Schools
Resides School Profiles
Magnet Schools
Magnet School Profiles
Magnet Programs
Magnet Program Profiles
How to Apply
English as a Second Language
Services for Students With Educational Disabilities
Specialized School Choices  
FAQs

Let’s Get Started

JCPS offers 27 middle schools with nationally recognized teachers and programs. We are proud to provide an array of choices to best serve students throughout our district. We invite you to review the school choices we’ve outlined and see how they align with your child’s individual goals and plans. You can also visit our schools during open houses and see for yourself how well the district prepares students for high school, postsecondary education, and career success.

What Are Your Next Steps?

You may register your child for school regardless of immigration status and/or a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

1. Explore options with your child. Unlike in elementary school, there are no clusters in middle school.
2. Choose your school. 
   
   1. If you choose your resides school: You’ll be auto-enrolled. If your school choice is your resides school, no application is necessary. You will be automatically enrolled in your resides school if you are currently enrolled as a JCPS fifth grader. 
      
      1. Or, if you’re new to the district, you must register first. If you are new to the JCPS District and want to attend your resides middle school, you must first contact that school (not the district) about new student registration. The school will require proof of address.
   2. If you choose a magnet school: Apply to one to two magnet schools. If your school choice is not your resides school, you may select up to two magnet schools to apply to during the application period. The magnet application period is November 2, 2020–December 16, 2020. Students who apply during the application period will be notified of the status of their application by April 1, 2021.
   3. If you are currently enrolled in a Traditional magnet elementary school and you choose to attend a Traditional magnet middle school: You’ll be auto-enrolled.** If you are currently enrolled in a JCPS traditional magnet elementary school, no application is necessary because you will be automatically enrolled in the traditional magnet middle school that serves your home address. **You must apply to a traditional magnet middle school if you are not currently enrolled in a traditional magnet elementary school.

Explore Options

Resides Schools
Magnet Schools
Magnet Programs

How to Choose

1. Decide what type of learning environment works best for your child.
2. Review the choice options, programs, and offerings at each school, and align them with your child’s interests and goals.
3. Check to see if transportation is provided for your school.
4. Learn more by watching the virtual tour videos on the JCPS website and attending open houses at the schools.

Resides Schools

JCPS has 21 resides middle schools to serve the diverse population and student needs of Jefferson County. Every address is assigned to a middle school, and that becomes the resides school for that address.

If your school choice is your resides school, no application is necessary. You will be automatically enrolled in your resides school if you are currently enrolled as a JCPS fifth grader.

To find out which school serves your address, call the JCPS Demographic Office at (502) 485-3050, or visit our School Finder.

If your resides school has a magnet program you wish to participate in, you must apply to that magnet program. (See pages 52 to 57 for magnet programs.)

If you are new to the JCPS District and want to attend your resides middle school, you must first contact that school (not the district) about new student registration. The school will require proof of address.

Academy @ Shawnee
Carrithers Middle School
Conway Middle School
Crosby Middle School
Farnsley Middle School
Robert Frost Sixth-Grade Academy
Highland Middle School
Kammerer Middle School
Knight Middle School
Lassiter Middle School
Meyzeek Middle School
Marion C. Moore School
Newburg Middle School
Noe Middle School 
Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North
Frederick Law Olmsted Academy South
Ramsey Middle School
Stuart Academy
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Western Middle School for the Arts
Westport Middle School

Transportation is not provided if you live in close proximity to your school, generally within 1 mile.

Resides School Profiles

Academy @ Shawnee

Student Enrollment: 138
Principal: Kymberly Rice
Phone: (502) 485-8326
Address: 4001 Herman Street, Louisville, KY 40212
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/Middle/AcademyShawneeMiddle 

The Academy @ Shawnee is an aerospace middle and high school serving students in hallmark programs that include aviation and engineering. Our middle school students engage in real-world aviation experiences during 15 days of extended learning time, including 5 days in the spring semester after acceptance into the program and 10 days in the summer. We are committed to preparing students by helping them develop the core skills needed to be successful in high school and beyond.

School Highlights:

• Offers the Aerospace Engineering Magnet Program to engage students in a project-based Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum to connect content areas
• Small class sizes provide vast opportunities for personalized learning and family engagement.
• Multi-million dollar facility renovation is under way that will provide additional state-of-the-art learning labs and equipment.
• Combined middle and high school format offers students the opportunity to remain with the same cohort of students in sixth through twelfth grade.
• All students participate in the national Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Gateway to Technology curriculum and Challenger Learning Center Programs.
• Provides extended learning opportunities in which students explore aerospace through familiarization flights, rocket construction and launch, flight simulator training, and orienteering and navigation challenges

Carrithers Middle School

Student Enrollment: 672
Address: 4320 Billtown Road, Louisville, KY 40299
Phone: (502) 485-8224
Principal: Denise Franklin Williams
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/middle/carrithers 

At Carrithers Middle School, our mission is to increase the achievement and growth of every student through effective and engaging teaching and learning strategies. Together, we use rigorous academic standards to prepare our students to be productive citizens who are committed to learning.

Motto: Educational Excellence in a Neighborhood Setting 

School Highlights:

• Offers Advance Program in all grade levels
• As a Verizon Innovative Learning School, we provide all students and instructional staff with their own iPad and data plan to enhance learning opportunities at school and at home.
• Provides daily advisory period for students and teachers to build relationships
• Maintains highly qualified teachers who have achieved Google and Apple Teacher Certifications
• Several community partnerships with Southwick Community Center, Jeffersontown community, local universities, Men of Quality, and Girls on the R.I.S.E. (Revolutionizing Interpretations through Self- Expression)
• Student leadership opportunities include Beta Club, Honor Roll, Black Student Union, Student Council, Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), and Verizon Student Tech Team.
• Offers a Community School Program with a host of family-oriented services
• Offers a full-time mental health counselor five days a week
• Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Distinguished ratings in Band, Choir, and Orchestra; also offers one of the few middle school marching bands
• Offers many clubs and extracurricular activities, including archery, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, dance, step team, cheerleading, robotics, track, cross-country, soccer, Quick Recall, and chess

Conway Middle School

Student Enrollment: 811
Principal: Greg Fehr
Phone: (502) 485-8233
Address: 6300 Terry Road, Louisville, KY 40258 
Web: http://conway.jcps.schooldesk3.net 

Our mission is to provide quality learning experiences in a caring environment to prepare and inspire our students to be successful in life.

School Highlights:

• Verizon Innovative Learning School— All students receive an iPad and a data plan.
• Offers Advance Program for qualifying students
• The media center is an updated learning commons space. Along with a diverse collection of books, it offers flexible seating, project space, and access to technology.
• We offer an individualized approach to learning during our Cougar Day Intervention periods.
• Award-winning orchestra, band, and chess team
• Competitive athletic teams include football, baseball, basketball, soccer, cross-country, track, cheerleading, dance, and volleyball.
• Full array of extracurricular clubs, both social and academic
• Exceptional customer service to meet the needs of all students
• The Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) uses project-based learning principles to empower student learning and achievement through the use and creation of technology-based solutions to school and community needs.
• The Youth Services Center (YSC) helps Conway students solve problems and overcome barriers to learning.

Crosby Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,044
Principal: Kara Ammerman, Ed.D.
Phone: (502) 485-8235
Address: 303 Gatehouse Lane, Louisville, KY 40243
Web: http://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/middle/crosby

Crosby Middle School’s mission is to provide relevant and rigorous instruction that prepares and inspires students to become productive citizens and future leaders. We believe that the educational process is most complete when the venture is a joint effort of the student, parent, and school. Our programs provide all students the opportunity to excel academically and emotionally. Every student at Crosby is a unique individual whom we prepare for the transition to high school and—more importantly—life.

School Highlights:

• Offers the Advance Program for qualifying students
• Enriches high-performing, mathematically inclined students with a highly competitive Distinguished Math Scholars (DMS) Program
• Provides an innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Program
• The STEAM Program is supported with engaging courses, such as Coding, Engineering, Robotics, Digital Music, Digital Art, Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), and Google Classroom Instruction.
• Maintains a highly qualified staff of teachers who have achieved or are pursuing National Board and/ or Google Certifications
• Offers a wide range of activities, as well as extracurricular clubs and sports, that compete at local, state, regional, and national levels
• Follows a philosophy that emphasizes our Crosby Four C’s (Communication, Collaboration, Consistency, and Celebration) to empower our students to maximize their potential

Farnsley Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,150
Principal: Carolyn B. Smith
Phone: (502) 485-8242
Address: 3400 Lees Lane, Louisville, KY 40216
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/Middle/Farnsley 

The Farnsley Middle School community provides a safe environment that encourages lifelong student success. We recognize the uniqueness of our students and are committed to promoting student-centered excellence in academics and the development of social skills.

Motto: The Farnsley motto captures the work that our staff will be doing with your child throughout their middle school experience: “I am unique. I am pursuing excellence. I am developing. I am a lifelong learner. Together, we are Farnsley.”

School Highlights:

• Offers the Mathematics/Science/ Technology (MST) Magnet Program as well as Engineering coursework
• Offers the Advance Program
• As a Verizon Innovative Learning School, we provide all students and instructional staff with their own iPad and data plan to enhance learning opportunities at home and school.
• Provides chorus, band, and orchestra as well as academic and athletic teams
• Offers academic enrichment opportunities through hands-on activities, performances, support, and extension
• Offers world-renowned VEX Robotics and Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) Team
• Offers a range of extracurricular activities, including national, state, regional, and district championship athletic and academic teams
• Holds district, city, state, and regional championships in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field
• Strong community partnerships with American Synthetic Rubber Company (ASRC), Louisville Chemical Partnership, and the Cane Run Area Neighborhood Place
• Maintains an outdoor classroom for extended learning opportunities
• A campus with extensive green space, a one-mile walking track, a baseball/softball diamond, and soccer and football fields

Robert Frost Sixth-Grade Academy

Student Enrollment: 447
Principal: Monica Hunter
Phone: (502) 485-8256
Address: 4601 Valley Station Road, Louisville, KY 40272 
Web: sites.google.com/view/froststuart/home

In partnership with the community, Robert Frost Sixth-Grade Academy empowers scholars to be 21st-century leaders who SOAR to new heights. We are Successful, Organized, Achieving, and Respectful (SOAR). We aim for every scholar to SOAR by being proficient in reading, mathematics, and writing by the end of the school year.

Motto: We Are Reinventing Learning!

School Highlights:

• The school is composed of only sixth-grade scholars.
• Offers Advance Program classes to qualifying students
• Offers a fitness lab with state-of-the-art equipment in physical education (PE) classes
• Offers Boys’ and Girls’ Club Programs
• Offers band, orchestra, and chorus
• Offers an Advisory Program, the Breakfast in the Classroom Program, and a range of athletics, clubs, and academic teams
• As a Verizon Innovative Learning School, we provide all students with their own iPad that travels with them to and from school during the school year.
• Offers Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programming

Highland Middle School

Student Enrollment: 930
Principal: Vanessa Green
Phone: (502) 485-8266
Address: 1700 Norris Place, Louisville, KY 40205 
Web: http://www.highlandmiddle.com/

At Highland Middle School, our mission is to teach to high academic and social standards so that each member of the school community becomes more internationally minded and develops a desire for lifelong learning and community responsibility.

Motto: Catch the Highland Attitude. 

School Highlights:

• Offers the International Studies Magnet Program
• Highland is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) school.
• Offers the Fine Arts Optional Program
• Provides Spanish instruction in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades
• Offers a dual-language Spanish Immersion strand, which allows students from elementary school Spanish language immersion programs to continue learning some core academic subjects in Spanish
• Offers a seven-period day in which students can participate in a variety of related arts, intervention, enrichment, and fine arts classes

Thomas Jefferson Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,070
Principal: Josh Bourgeois 
Phone: (502) 485-8273
Address: 1501 Rangeland Road, Louisville, KY 40219 
Web: https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/thomas-jefferson-middle/home

Motto: Patriot Now, Patriot Forever 

School Highlights:

• Thomas Jefferson Middle School (TJMS) offers the district's only Digital and Global Leadership Magnet Program, which offers the following courses:
  • Digital Art—Mixed Media, Drawing, Photography, Animation, Digital Design, 3-D Printing DR Animation, Digital Design, 3-D Printing
  • Digital Media—Camera Angles, Lighting Elements, Green Screen, Web Design, Advertising
  • Digital Music—Digital Editing, Digital Composition and Collaboration, Sound Design
  • Gaming—Game Building Techniques, Game Design, Coding With Javascript
  • Robotics—LEGO Robot, VEX IQ, and VEX EDR
  • Wide World of Sports—Team Sports, Health and Nutrition, Personal Training
• We are a 1:1 Chromebook school.
• Offers the Leadership Pathway, with field experiences, access to Pathway Professionals, the Leader in Me curriculum, and Junior Achievement (JA)
• The Patriot Pride Academy helps sixth graders make a successful transition to middle school. Sixth graders are separate from the seventh and eighth grades so that their team teachers can focus on supporting them through social-emotional lessons specifically for sixth-grade students. (Tours are available by appointment.)
• Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Gifted and Talented Program
• TJMS is a no-uniform school and supports student expression through a dress code policy.
• TJMS offers an extensive selection of sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, track, step team, and cheerleading.
• Activities: Robotics, Anime, Book Clubs, Gaming, Chess (state champions), Academic Team, Art, Beta, Student Council, LGBTQ, Equity, and many more

Kammerer Middle School

Student Enrollment: 947
Principal: David Armour
Phone: (502) 485-8279
Address: 7315 Wesboro Road, Louisville, KY 40222
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/middle/kammerer/index.html 

At Kammerer Middle School, our primary focus is academic achievement. As you walk through the hallways and classrooms, you will notice the exciting, focused, and highly structured student learning throughout the school.

Motto: Our students achieve because we adhere to our motto, “Excellence is the Expectation,” which applies to both our students and our educators.

School Highlights:

• Provides more than 20 extracurricular student activities, including Academic Team, anime/manga, Beta Club, chess, drama club, ping pong club, Future Problem Solvers, guitar club, jazz band, photography club, Quick Recall, and yearbook
• Depending on availability, qualified students may take classes for credit at neighboring Ballard High.
• Employs nationally recognized teachers, many of whom have received or are pursuing National Board Certification
• Offers award-winning band, choir, and orchestra programs
• Participates in the Safe and Civil Schools Program
• Offers the Distinguished Math Scholar (DMS) Program for qualifying students as well as Advanced, Honors, and standard curricula

Knight Middle School

Student Enrollment: 452
Principal: Jeronda Majors
Phone: (502) 485-8287
Address: 9803 Blue Lick Road, Louisville, KY 40229 
Web: http://knight.jcps-ky.com 

The mission of Knight Middle School is to provide a student-centered community of excellence that creates a safe environment where the needs of the whole child are met.

Motto: #KnightLife

School Highlights:

• District-designated model middle school for Restorative Practices (RP)
• Embeds project-based learning in the curriculum
• Provides students with two Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)-based Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses each year. These courses include Design Modeling, Flight and Space, Energy and the Environment, Computer Science, App Creators, Science of Technology, Automation, and Robotics.
• As a 1:1 school, all students receive a Chromebook for use during the school day. Google Classroom is used to submit artifacts that demonstrate students’ Backpack of Success Skills.
• Offers a wide range of electives for all students, including art, peer tutoring, physical education (PE), adaptive PE and adaptive art, health, band, orchestra, arts and humanities, and chorus
• Offers many student activities, including Academic Team, Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), cheerleading, step team, boys’ and girls’ basketball, yearbook, flag and tackle football, cross-country, volleyball, archery, track, and soccer
• Offers Knight Clubs after school throughout the school year and for a week in the summer. Knight Clubs vary based on the interest of the students but have included Art Club, Knight Cares, Drama, Archery, Knightly News, STLP/Tech Club, and Community Garden.

Lassiter Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,028
Principal: Jon Cesler
Phone: (502) 485-8288
Address: 8200 Candleworth Drive, Louisville, KY 40214 
Web: http://jcps_lassiter.campuscontact.com/ 

At Lassiter, we are known for our safe and structured learning environment, high academic expectations, and positive school culture. Lassiter is a Leader in Me school, where students are taught 21st-century leadership and life skills leading to individual empowerment and personal growth.

Motto: Lassiter—Where Every Student Is Prepared for High School 

School Highlights:

• Verizon Innovative Learning School that provides each student with an iPad and monthly data plan in order for students to do research and school work at home
• Offers the prestigious Cambridge International Scholars Program, the world’s leading Advanced Program curriculum recognized by more colleges and universities than International Baccalaureate (IB). AP classes are available in language arts, math, science, and social studies.
• Maintains a highly qualified faculty that includes many National Board Certified Teachers and Apple and Google Certified Teachers
• Encourages artistic and creative expression by providing students with classes in art, band, chorus, creative writing, orchestra, and video production
• Challenges students to participate in our Academic and Quick Recall Teams (Regional Governor’s Cup Champions for the past three years)
• Offers Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Student Nutrition Advisory Council
• Encourages athletic activity and teamwork by providing students with opportunities to participate in archery, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, flag football, soccer, softball, track, volleyball, health, and physical education (PE)
• Offers many clubs and after-school programs, including Cooking, Drama, Girls Who Code and Game, Girls on the Run, Minecraft, Robotics, Safe Sitter, Student Council, Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), Yearbook, and Adelante Hispanic Achievers

Meyzeek Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,084
Principal: Dr. Ronda George
Phone: (502) 485-8299
Address: 828 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40203 
Web: http://meyzeek.jcps-ky.com 

Meyzeek Middle School provides a balanced curriculum in which all students will be challenged to think critically and excel academically. Meyzeek’s historically distinguished Mathematics/Science/Technology (MST) Magnet Program attracts the most talented students from all over the city and offers an exceptional experience designed to prepare all students for STEM fields. The Meyzeek experience promotes STEM inquiry and exploration while simultaneously integrating artistic expression in order to address the learning styles and interests of a diverse learning community. Meyzeek’s unique community, rich history, and ongoing success fuel the school’s spirit that is the Meyzeek Mystique.

Motto: Today a Learner. Tomorrow a Leader. 

School Highlights:

• MST Magnet Program
• Advanced-level mathematics, including Algebra and Geometry
• Advance Program and programming for Gifted and Talented students
• Robotics and Engineering offerings known for receiving awards at the state and national levels
• Technology-App Creators and Coding
• Science Fair and STEM Showcases of Learning
• Host to a Community School Program providing after-school programs and services for the whole family
• Competitive academic teams and leadership opportunities, including Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA), Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA), National Junior Beta Club, MATHCOUNTS, Science Olympiad, Governor’s Cup, Debate, and Quick Recall
• More than 30 extracurricular activities, clubs, and competitive athletic teams combined

Marion C. Moore School

Student Enrollment: 1,086
Principal: Traci M. Hunt
Phone: (502) 485-8304
Address: 6415 Outer Loop, Louisville, KY 40228 
Web: http://moore.jcps.schooldesk.net 

Our culture at Marion C. Moore School stems from our mission and vision. We strive to be a school where students want to be, adults want to work, and the community is proud to have their children attend. We are the largest school in the city of Louisville and proudly serve grades six through twelve. Your child can be with us for seven years, which is a unique benefit of Moore’s combined school model.

School Highlights:

• Offers the Environmental Science Magnet Program, allowing students to engage in a wide range of Environmental Science learning experiences through labs, projects, field trips, and hands-on activities that use Moore’s abundant green space
• Offers Project Lead The Way (PLTW), which boosts classroom engagement and excitement, drives collaboration, and inspires “Aha! moments” and deep comprehension. As students engage in PLTW’s activities in engineering and biomedical science, they are offered possibilities that they can look forward to in high school and beyond.
• Provides opportunities for design and modeling to develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives
• Provides VEX Robotics platform to design, build, and program real-world objects, such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms
• The unique structure of having middle school and high school students share a campus supports consistency in academic focus.
• Our related arts courses mirror our Academies on the high school side so students can get a glimpse of the offerings they can explore when they move over to high school.

Newburg Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,129
Principal: Nicole Adell
Phone: (502) 485-8306
Address: 4901 Exeter Avenue, Louisville, KY 40218
Web:https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/newburg-middle-school/home 

At Newburg Middle School, we aim to inspire students in their quest for knowledge while promoting success and self-confidence through teamwork, critical thinking, and self-discipline as students become contributing members of our global society.

Vision: Student Success

School Highlights:

• Math/Science/Technology (MST) Magnet Program as well as Engineering coursework and the Advance Program
• Features students speaking 21 languages, with Spanish, Nepali, and Arabic among the top 3 spoken languages
• World-renowned VEX Robotics and Engineering Program
• Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Distinguished ratings in orchestra, band, and chorus
• The only JCPS school with a chartered Boy Scout Troop (#491)
• The Newburg Sports Complex is adjacent to the school.
• Strong Community Partnerships with Faurecia, GE Appliances, and the Newburg Boys’ and Girls’ Club
• Back-to-back district champions in football, basketball, and baseball
• Newburg helps students excel in academic competitions on local, regional, and national levels.
• Maintains an outdoor classroom with a drone course
• Offers volleyball, cheer, football, cross-country, baseball, softball, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, tennis, soccer, and archery
• As a Verizon Innovative Learning school, we provide all students with iPads in the classroom and at home with monthly data support.
• A partnership with Verizon and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) funded a state-of-the-art Innovation Lab, bringing hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities and new technology to students.

Noe Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,331
Principal: Jennifer Cave
Phone: (502) 485-8307
Address: 121 West Lee Street, Louisville, KY 40208
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/Middle/Noe 

Diversity, creativity, and academic excellence—these are the hallmarks of Noe Middle School. By providing challenging courses and recognizing the individual talents of each child, Noe prepares students for the demands of high school while honoring their youthful enthusiasm and desire to make a difference in the world.

Motto: A ‘NOE-ticeable’ Difference in Education!

School Highlights:

• Offers the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program, which includes accelerated classes in Band, Chorus, Dance, Drama, Orchestra, and Visual Arts
• Offers the district’s only middle school Gifted and Talented Magnet Program for students who excel in academics, the arts, creativity, and leadership
• Provides opportunities for student leadership through the Beta Club, Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA), Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA), and service-learning projects
• Offers a wide variety of opportunities for physical, intellectual, and social development through more than 40 extracurricular activities in athletics, academic competitions, and clubs of interest
• Focuses on student success as the goal of all activity through a student-centered environment; an interdisciplinary team-teaching organization; and a cooperative effort of staff, parents, and the community

Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North

Student Enrollment: 655
Principal: Tonkeyta Rodgers
Phone: (502) 485-8331
Address: 4530 Bellevue Avenue, Louisville, KY 40215
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/middle/olmstednorth 

Our mission is to encourage exploration of careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) by providing relevant, rigorous instruction rooted in critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we aim for every student to be engaged, inspired, empowered, and prepared for college and career. Our culture at Olmsted Academy North is driven by our mission to provide our young men with rigorous instruction—encouraging collaboration and inclusion through STEAM-focused exploration—to design innovative futures.

Motto: Find Your True North 

School Highlights:

• All-boys public middle school
• Offers the STEAM districtwide magnet program
• Provides young men with the benefits of a STEAM curriculum in a single-gender setting
• Our programs, clubs, and activities help students build academic skills and leadership abilities.
• Offers Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), coding, mechanical engineering, digital design, and robotics as well as a full music program, including orchestra, jazz band, show choir, and an ambassador choir
• Extra reading and math intervention and enrichment are offered daily.
• Innovation Lab-Occulus Go VR Headsets, HTC Vive Pro Immersive VR Headsets, 3D printers, Coding Kits, digital media tools, and cameras
• Implements Restorative Practices (RP) to strengthen relationships between students and staff
• Offers the Advance Program
• Offers the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Magnet Program
• As a Verizon Innovative Learning School, we provide all students with their own iPad, which travels with them to and from school.

Frederick Law Olmsted Academy South

Student Enrollment: 777
Principal: Angela Allen
Phone: (502) 485-8270
Address: 5650 Southern Parkway, Louisville, KY 40214 
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/Middle/OlmstedSouth/ 

In addition to academic proficiency in core subjects, young women at Frederick Law Olmsted Academy South will have a mastery of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) skills; an understanding of and appreciation for the arts; and the ability to provide meaningful service to their diverse communities. Our vision is for each of our young women to leave Olmsted Academy South equipped with 21st-century skills through STEAM-based education.

School Highlights:

• All-girls public middle school
• Young women’s STEAM Academy provides STEAM-infused core curriculum, innovative technology courses, and visual and performing arts
• Technology courses include Robotics, FUSE, TechFit, programming, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), and a multimedia program as well as Girls on the R.I.S.E. (Revolutionizing Interpretations through Self-Expression); Women’s Economic Leadership Program; Young Authors Greenhouse; Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA); Beta; Kentucky Science Center; Mercy Academy; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Partnership; and Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana STEM Partnership.
• Kentucky’s first Magnet Schools of America nationally certified magnet school
• As a 1:1school, each student at Olmsted Academy South (OAS) has a device assigned to them in every class. This provides our students with a digital learning platform and with teachers who implement digital learning through an array of programs in all content areas.
• Offers an array of visual and performing arts, including band, chorus, orchestra, piano, and advanced art
• Clubs and sports include Academic Team, Environmental Club, Bike Club, Photography Club, Writers Club, basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, dance, cheer, and step team.
• Community Partnership Programming includes the Women in Leadership.

Ramsey Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,062
Principal: Katherine LaDuke
Phone: (502) 485-8391
Address: 6409 Gellhaus Lane, Louisville, KY 40299 
Web: jcps-ramsey.campuscontact.com

Mission: To provide an exceptional educational experience that prepares students to pursue their passions by developing empowered learners, service-minded leaders, and globally responsible citizens
Vision: Ramsey Middle School will be the premier middle school in JCPS. Motto: Serve to Be Great!

School Highlights:

• Explore Pathways: The first middle school of its kind to offer Explore Pathways aligned to the Academies of Louisville! Our innovative programs support career options, including the following:
• Robotics and Coding (state-of-the-art VEX Robotics and competition teams)
• Healthcare Science (e.g., Nursing, CPR, Anatomy, Medical Detectives)
• Business and Communications (e.g., Digital Media, Graphic Arts, Financial Literacy, Journalism, Yearbook, Film Studies)
• Service Learning: Empowers students through community-based, interdisciplinary service-learning projects and valuable field trip opportunities
• Support: Provides embedded enrichment and intervention opportunities during our Student Success Time (SST) period. We also have in-house mental health counselors and a Family Resource Center (FRC).
• New Facilities: Offers a state-of-the-art, high-tech, environmentally friendly building and campus
• Sixth-Grade Academy: Locates sixth graders in a separate wing to ease the transition to middle school and provides each student with a team to build community
• The Arts: Offers an award-winning band, orchestra, choir, and visual arts program
• Athletics: Hosts a successful athletic program with opportunities for every JCPS middle school sport
• Extracurriculars: Robotics Club, Drama Club, Academic Team, Environmental Club, Chess, Best Buddies, Peer Mentoring, MLKU (Black Student Union), GSTA, and Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP)

Stuart Academy

Student Enrollment: 811
Principal: Monica Hunter
Phone: (502) 485-8334
Address: 4603 Valley Station Road, Louisville, KY 40272 
Web: https://sites.google.com/view/froststuart/home 

In partnership with the community, Stuart Academy's mission is to empower scholars to be 21st-century leaders who are ready for high school.

Motto: We Are Reinventing Learning!

School Highlights:

• Offers band, orchestra, and chorus, as well as Boys’ and Girls’ Club Programs
• As a Verizon Innovative Learning School, we provide all students with their own iPad that travels with them to and from school during the school year.
• Offers Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programming
• Offers Advance Program to seventh- and eighth-grade students only
• Offers a variety of athletic and extracurricular activities at facilities that are among the best in the district
• Offers a fitness lab with state-of-the-art equipment in physical education (PE) classes
• Provides opportunities for parent engagement and involvement via parent nights, web talks with the principal and leadership team, field trips, volunteering, and parent-teacher conferences
• Offers smaller class sizes than most middle schools, project-based learning opportunities, 1:1 technology access, and a strategic focus on providing proactive and supportive academic, behavioral, social, and emotional interventions and enrichment

Western Middle School for the Arts

Student Enrollment: 661
Principal: Hollie Smith
Phone: (502) 485-8345
Address: 2201 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40212 
Web: www.westernmiddlearts.com 

Our mission at Western Middle School for the Arts is to educate and inspire students through performance in academics and the arts to prepare them to be successful, compassionate, and creative citizens in our diverse world. We strive to become a high-performing school that fosters creativity and imagination while enhancing our students’ desires to excel in both academics and visual and performing arts.

Motto: Where Performance Is Everything 

School Highlights:

• Explore Pathways: The first middle school of its kind to offer Explore Pathways aligned to the Academies of Louisville! Our artistic and innovative programs support career options, including the following:
  • Designing and Communicating (Stage Production and Design, Creative Writing, Esports, Filmmaking)
  • Building and Creating (Digital Songwriting, Choreography, Traditional and Emerging Music Ensembles)
• Includes Advance Program and programming for Gifted and Talented students
• Serves as a districtwide Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School, where instrumental music, vocal music, dance, drama, and visual arts are an embedded aspect of each student's day
• Students participate in performances and other showcases open to the public throughout the year.
• Student leadership opportunities include Beta Club, Student Council, and Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP).
• Offers extracurricular activities, including photography club, children’s fine arts club, Project Lit, dance team, step team, poetry club, yearbook club, robotics, basketball, cheerleading, dance ensemble, volleyball club, soccer, track, softball, and baseball
• Offers a Community School with a wide variety of programs for the entire family

Westport Middle School

Student Enrollment: 1,346
Principal: Jodie Zeller
Phone: (502) 485-8346
Address: 8100 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222 
Web: https://www.westportmiddle.com/

At Westport Middle School, we believe we can inspire every student by providing a safe and caring environment that fosters academic and individual growth. Our mission is to collaboratively coach students and each other to build a consistent learning community. This reflects our core values of consistency, community, collaboration, and coaching.

School Highlights:

• Offers the Montessori Magnet Program. (See page 56 for more details on this program.)
• Offers Illustrative Math, a research-based curriculum
• Provides orchestra, band, choral music, drama, and visual art opportunities as well as robotics, electric orchestra, and Best Buddies Program
• Serves as a University of Louisville (UofL) Signature Partnership School
• Offers extensive extracurricular and athletic activities, including robotics team, football, Academic Team, softball, soccer, and lacrosse
• Offers advisory programming that provides student support through socially and emotionally focused team- and community-building lessons and exercises
• Provides embedded enrichment and intervention systems to support student mastery of learning

Magnet Schools

JCPS offers six districtwide magnet schools at the middle school level:

3 Magnet Schools J. Graham Brown School  W.E.B. DuBois Academy  Grace James Academy of Excellence

3 Traditional Magnet Schools Barret Traditional Jefferson County Traditional  Johnson Traditional

Magnet schools provide a whole-school approach to a unique curriculum. Magnet schools offer specialized instruction of theme-based education that appeals to student interests, talents, and abilities. Within the district, magnet schools attract students of various socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and academic achievement levels.

Traditional magnet schools differ from other magnet schools in that they provide a pipeline to Traditional magnet schools from K–12. Students accepted into one of the Traditional magnet schools are on track to complete their education in that program. They do not need to reapply to continue in a Traditional magnet school as they progress through JCPS.

The Traditional Program provides a highly structured, back-to-basics learning environment with:

• A focus on core subjects and grade-level coursework.
• Added emphasis on high academic standards, proper conduct, citizenship, and the development of self-discipline.
• Orderly classrooms that require nightly homework and strict adherence to school rules (including dress codes).
• A mission centered on instructional approaches that help students build basic knowledge and gain high competence in fundamental skills.

Important to Note

• Siblings of current or former magnet school students do not receive preference in the application process. However, applications for siblings who share the same birth date (twins, triplets, etc.) who are applying to a magnet will be treated as one application. In these cases, parents must still submit a separate application for each child.
• Magnet schools may ask for additional information as part of the application process, such as a student work sample or test scores. If a school requires additional information, please reply promptly and send the information directly to the school. Applications will be considered incomplete if requested information is not submitted to a school.
• Students enrolled in a Traditional magnet middle school are in the pipeline to attend one of two JCPS Traditional magnet high schools: Butler Traditional School or Louisville Male High. Traditional school students will indicate their school preference in eighth grade.

Magnet School Profiles

Barret Traditional Middle School

Student Enrollment: 633
Principal: Amy Strite
Phone: (502) 485-8207
Address: 2561 Grinstead Drive, Louisville, KY 40206 
Web: http://barret.jcps.schooldesk.net/

Barret Traditional Middle School provides a structured environment that allows every student to reach their highest potential while growing to be lifelong learners in a culturally diverse, ever-changing world. Our mission is to teach our students compassion, tolerance, and unity through service to others.

Motto: A Tradition of Excellence 

School Highlights:

• Offers Traditional education
• Student scores on state tests have been among the highest of all Kentucky middle schools.
• Offers BARRET CARES, which allows students to participate in a variety of service activities that give back to the Louisville community
• Barret’s student athletes have earned district and state championships in basketball, football, tennis, volleyball, field hockey, baseball, cheer, dance, and golf.

J. Graham Brown School

Student Enrollment: 217
Principal: Angela Parsons
Phone: (502) 485-8216
Address: 546 South First Street, Louisville, KY 40202 
Web: http://www.mybrownschool.org 

Self-Directed Learning: The J. Graham Brown School, the original magnet school, is a districtwide magnet school for students who thrive in a Self- Directed Learning environment. Our mission is to cultivate innovative thinking and foster independence, empathy, and initiative within a culturally responsive learning environment. J. Graham Brown School students have the “reasoned minds and educated hearts” of self-directed, lifelong learners.

School Highlights:

• Districtwide magnet school serving kindergarten through grade twelve
• Students engage in an aligned, college-preparatory, liberal arts curriculum based on our four tenets of Self-Directed Learning: Independence, Empathy, Initiative, and Innovation.
• Provides an academic program that cultivates critical, open-minded, and creative thinkers who are willing to take risks and are eager for new knowledge
• Offers a learning environment that develops compassionate, tolerant, and respectful human beings who value cultural diversity and contribute to the community
• Grade-level academic performance and age-appropriate social skills are expected for success in this informal educational setting.
• Students participate in our P.I.R.A.T.E. 1:1 Devices Program, through which they are issued an iPad or Chromebook to use for learning.
• Students are scheduled using a 90-minute block schedule.
• Students have the opportunity to take courses for high school credit as early as seventh grade.

W.E.B. DuBois Academy

Student Enrollment: 450
Principal: Robert Gunn
Phone: (502) 485-7600
Address: 3307 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/middle/DuBoisAcademy 

Gender-Specific Magnet for Boys: W.E.B. DuBois Academy is a new, innovative middle school that opened during the 2018-19 school year. Open to all male students, our innovative learning environment offers an Afrocentric, multicultural curriculum that is both rigorous and engaging. Our mission is to engage, eliminate barriers, and empower each young man to achieve excellence. We guarantee that each student will demonstrate growth, becoming more adept mathematicians, readers, writers, and speakers, while also becoming better role models, listeners, and leaders in their homes and communities.

School Highlights:

• Districtwide magnet school
• Offers 1:1 ratio for technology that ensures that each student receives a personal device (Chromebook or iPad)
• DuBois Academy draws from evidence-based research and culturally responsive teaching to actively engage students as they grow as learners and self-aware young men. Core tenets emphasize literacy, numeracy, social sciences, technology usage, and speaking a foreign language.
• Students demonstrate P.R.I.D.E. by focusing on leadership attributes, such as Perseverance, Resilience, Initiative, Discipline, and Empathy.

Grace James Academy of Excellence

Student Enrollment: 150
Principal: Ronda Cosby
Phone: (502) 485-8123
Address: 3610 Bohne Avenue, Second Floor, Louisville, KY 40211
Web: https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us /grace-james-academy-of-excelle

Afro-Centric Perspective and Gender-Specific Magnet for Girls: As a new 2020-21 JCPS magnet, Grace James Academy of Excellence illuminates academic excellence in an innovative, multicultural, gender-specific environment. We create transformative learning spaces where Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) are empowered and embraced while they learn a Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum through an Afrocentric lens. We put inclusivity and empowerment at the forefront of our school culture by focusing on social and emotional success through our Collaboration, Resilience, Originality, Willingness, and Narrative (CROWN) Values and celebrating our Sisterhood. We believe that every girl should proudly wear their CROWN! Ready to join our sisterhood?

Motto: Be Bold. Be Driven. Be YOU!

School Highlights:

• Districtwide magnet accepting sixth- and seventh-grade students for school year 2021-22
• Offering 1:1 technology as a Verizon Innovative Learning School
• Nontraditional, rigorous, research-/evidence-based, and student-centered learning practices
• Cross-curriculum STEAM focus with multiple Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) industry partnerships
• Career exploration opportunities beyond school walls (monthly field trips, Saturday outings, and virtual learning experiences)
• Extracurricular activities based on student interest and request (e.g., STEM, sports, the arts)
• Student voice, advocacy, and service-learning platforms are supported through problem-/project-based learning opportunities.

Jefferson County Traditional Middle School

Student Enrollment: 926
Principal: Dr. Tiffany Marshall
Phone: (502) 485-8272
Address: 1418 Morton Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204 
Web: https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/jctms 

At Jefferson County Traditional Middle School (JCTMS), our staff, parents, and community all share the responsibility of educating our students. Together, we work toward the highest academic expectations within a structured environment that promotes citizenship, self-discipline, patriotism, and respect for all. We aim for JCTMS to be an exceptional school that is committed to providing students the skills, knowledge, and attitude to ensure that they are prepared for the next academic level and become responsible citizens in our society.

Motto: Where Tradition Is Honored and the Future Begins 

School Highlights:

• Provides Traditional education
• Offers an annual Patriotic Program
• Student attendance remains one of the highest among middle schools in the district.
• Offers a wide range of activities and athletics, including the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), Robotics, Youth Services Center (YSC) Advisory Council, Musical Theatre, Beta Club, Art Club, basketball, football, cheerleading, field hockey, soccer, dance team, cross-country, track, baseball, softball, wrestling, swimming, and archery
• Offers an award-winning band, chorus, and orchestra

Johnson Traditional Middle School

Student Enrollment: 894
Principal: Dr. April Brooks
Phone: (502) 485-8277
Address: 2509 Wilson Avenue, Louisville, KY 40210
Web: https://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/Middle/Johnson 

Johnson Traditional Middle School is committed to creating a safe community where all adolescents and adults are respected and empowered to become lifelong learners and leaders. As a traditional school, we are dedicated to the concepts of scholarship, patriotism, courtesy, respect, responsibility, and citizenship. We strive for every student to develop the highest possible competence in fundamental skills, growth in citizenship and in moral and spiritual values, responsibility for personal behavior, and a spirit of individual achievement and competition.

Motto: JTMS—Where everybody is somebody! 

School Highlights:

• Provides traditional education, which focuses on high academic standards, proper conduct, citizenship, and self-discipline
• Offers many student activities, including band, orchestra, chess, robotics, Academic Team, Green Team, Stand Up Club, Lyman T. Johnson Spirit of the Drum, WJTMS morning telecast, Student Leadership, and Distinguished Gentlemen
• Provides student leadership opportunities, including Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), Peer Tutors, and Jag Ambassadors
• Offers a range of athletic activities, including cheerleading, dance team, step team, cross-country, boys' and girls' basketball, girls' volleyball, girls' softball, boys' baseball, and track
• New course offerings: Global Studies, AA Studies, Social Justice Class, and Yearbook/ Publishing

Magnet Programs

What are magnet programs, and how do they differ from magnet schools?

Magnet programs focus on a specific subject (such as technology) or provide a specialized learning environment (such as all-boys or all-girls classes). Students accepted into a magnet program become a full-time student of the school that offers it and attend the school for all classes. Some magnet programs accept applications from students throughout the district; others accept applications from specific areas.

Important to Note

Magnet programs may ask for additional information as part of the application process, such as a student work sample or test scores. If a school requires additional information, please reply promptly and send the information directly to the school. Applications will be considered incomplete if the requested information is not submitted.

Transportation is not provided if you live in close proximity to your school, generally within 1 mile.

Magnet Program Profiles

Aerospace Engineering

School: The Academy @ Shawnee offers this program to students districtwide.

This program engages students in a project-based Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum designed to connect content areas through STEAM. All students participate in the national Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Gateway to Technology curriculum and Challenger Learning Center Programs.

Digital and Global Leadership

School: Thomas Jefferson offers this program to students districtwide.

With an emphasis on leadership in the global and digital age as well as college/ career readiness, this program develops real-world skill sets for students. They learn to communicate effectively, collaborate to enhance intercultural understandings, solve problems, and evaluate ethical decisions, while simultaneously using 21st-century digital technology. Students have the opportunity to customize a pathway according to their individual academic needs and interests. As they move through extensive course offerings, students continue their focus on leadership while also gaining additional knowledge and experience in their individually selected pathways, which culminate in a capstone experience to showcase student learning in a real-world setting.

Environmental Education

School: Marion C. Moore offers this program to students districtwide, but transportation is provided only for those who live in Moore’s attendance area.

This program integrates physical and biological concepts with the study of the environment and solutions to problems. Lessons are brought to life by outdoor investigations and field studies. Students learn to think critically about human interactions with nature and how to become global citizens. This 12-week course allows students to engage in a wide range of Environmental Science learning experiences through labs, projects, field trips, and hands-on activities that use Moore’s abundant green space. After completing the program, students who attend high school at Moore have the opportunity to continue into the Agribiotechnology Systems Pathway, among others.

Fine Arts

School: Highland offers this program to students districtwide, but transportation is provided only for students who live in Highland’s attendance area.

Students can join an award-winning music program consisting of Choral Music, Band, and Orchestra. The Visual Arts Program provides students with specialized, intensive study in visual arts (2D and 3D), and students are encouraged to participate in community exhibition and performance opportunities.

Gender-Specific and STEAM

School: Olmsted Academy North (boys) and Olmsted Academy South (girls) offer this program to students districtwide.

Gender-specific schools prepare young men and women through a rigorous academic curriculum that focuses on using next-generation skills. Emphasis is placed on leadership development that integrates engineering, technology, arts and humanities, and service learning within a diverse environment.

Olmsted Academy North (for boys) offers Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), which is an educational approach to learning that uses STEAM as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Olmsted Academy South (OAS) engages students in STEAM education embedded throughout core academic subjects and through various learning strategies, including student personalized learning and project-based choices.

Gifted and Talented

School: Noe offers this program to students districtwide.

The Gifted and Talented Magnet is designed to meet the unique needs of advanced learners through student choice, project-based instruction, and leadership opportunities. Students are expected to perform above grade level in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) and deepen their understanding through instruction geared toward their preferred learning styles. A combination of rigorous academic expectations, acceleration, and individual and peer assignments extends students’ academic and creative talents.

International Studies

School: Highland offers this program to students districtwide.

The International Studies Program is designed to help learners meet the challenges of a competitive and interconnected world. This is achieved by (a) infusing international issues and perspectives throughout the curriculum, (b) ensuring that all learners reach a high level of proficiency in two languages (English and another world language), and (c) providing opportunities for learners to interact with people from different cultures.

This is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Program that, like all IB Programs, aims to develop internationally minded people who help create a better and more peaceful world by recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet. IB education focuses on the learner, develops effective approaches to teaching and learning, works within a global context, and explores significant content. The IB approach champions a stance of critical engagement with challenging ideas. It values the progressive thinking of the past while remaining open to future innovations. IB schools are committed to creating a collaborative, global community united by a mission to make a better world through education.

Mathematics/Science/Technology

School: Students are assigned to Farnsley, Meyzeek, or Newburg based on their home address.

The Mathematics/Science/Technology (MST) Program is designed for inquisitive students looking for opportunities to enrich and expand their learning beyond the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. Upon entry into the program, students are expected to participate in their learning and move at an accelerated pace through collaborative problem solving, critical thinking, research, and public presentations of their findings. Students have access to enrichment and academic competitions.

Montessori

School: Westport offers this program to students districtwide.

The Montessori Program fosters rigorous, self-motivated growth in all areas of development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. Students work independently and in groups (often with specially designed instructional materials), which allows them to act as role models and leaders. They
are respectful of themselves and their surroundings and engage in critical thinking and self-directed learning. The curriculum provides a firm foundation in four core areas: language arts, math, science, and social studies. The classroom atmosphere encourages students to develop teamwork, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, and social awareness. Given the freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections, Montessori students grow up to be confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners and citizens who are accountable to both themselves and their community.

Visual and Performing Arts Magnet

School: Noe and Western Middle School for the Arts offer this magnet program to students districtwide.

The Visual and Performing Arts Magnet provides specialized, intensive studies in dance, drama/theatre, music, and visual arts. Students develop their artistic potential and have opportunities to prepare for possible entry into a high school arts magnet. Students are expected to perform above grade level in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) and to deepen their understanding through instruction geared toward their preferred learning style. A combination of rigorous academic expectations, acceleration, and individual and peer assignments helps students extend their academic and creative talents.

Important to Note

Some schools with magnet programs will ask for additional information as part of the application process, such as student work samples or test scores. If a school asks you for additional information, please reply promptly and send the information directly to the school. Applications will be considered incomplete if the requested information is not sent to a school.

How to Apply

1. Register online with the district.
   • Students who have previously attended a JCPS school do not need to register.
   • If you are new to the JCPS school district and want to attend your resides middle school, you must first contact that school (not the district) about new student registration. The school will require proof of address.
   • If you are new to the JCPS school district and want to attend a magnet school or magnet program, you must register with the district at theJCPS Student Assignment Office or online.
   • Once registration is complete, JCPS will verify your information and will send you a code to make your application. This process can take up to two days.
2. If you wish to attend a school other than the school that serves your home address, you must complete an application. Please apply in any of the following ways:
   • Apply online at www.jefferson.kyschools.us.
   • Apply in person* at the following:
     • JCPS Student Assignment Office located at 4309 Bishop Lane
     • JCPS Satellite Office at the California Community Center located at 1600 West Saint Catherine Street
     • JCPS Satellite Office at the Academy @ Shawnee located at 4018 West Market Street
     • JCPS English as a Second Language (ESL) Office located at 1325 Bluegrass Avenue

*Please Note: Due to COVID-19 health recommendations that may affect the registration/application period, families are encouraged to call (502) 313-HELP to determine if these sites are available prior to arriving.

The application period runs from November 2, 2020, through December 16, 2020. Students who apply during the application period will be notified of the status of their application by April 1, 2021.

Important to Note

• Submitting a magnet application doesn’t guarantee admission in a magnet school or program.
• Waiting lists are not kept from year to year.
• Magnet applications can be edited only during the application period. If changes are made to an application, only the most recent changes are considered.
• Siblings of current or former magnet school students do not receive preference in the application process. However, applications for siblings who share the same birth date (twins, triplets, etc.) who are applying to a magnet that utilizes a lottery will be treated as one application. In these cases, parents must still submit a separate application for each child.
• Submitting false information will void an application.
• Students who apply during the application period will be notified of the status of their application by April 1, 2021.
• Students must be a resident of Jefferson County in order to attend a magnet school or program. If families are relocating, please contact the Student Assignment Office at (502) 485-6250.

English as a Second Language

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Office at 1325 Bluegrass Avenue serves families who need help with English. The ESL Department works closely with students and families to ensure that English Language Learners attain English proficiency. The department offers language services and facilitates communication between families and schools to help maintain a strong connection in the educational process. Contact the ESL Office at (502) 485-3623 to make an appointment.

Newcomer Academy

The Newcomer Academy (NCA) seeks to provide a welcoming and respectful environment that meets the unique linguistic, academic, and social/emotional needs of sixth- through tenth-grade English Language Learners in the JCPS District. These students typically are in their first year of instruction in a U.S. school. They are usually at the beginning levels of English proficiency and may have had limited, or interrupted, educational experiences in their native countries.

Students are referred to NCA by the ESL Intake Center, where all families of a non-English language background register when they first enter theJCPS school district. At the ESL Intake Center, new students complete an English language assessment, and students in middle and high school who score below a certain threshold are referred to the NCA. Enrollment at NCA is completely voluntary, and parents may waive ESL services at any time. NCA students transition to another middle or high school with an ESL Program after one to three semesters.

For more information on the Newcomer Academy, contact the school at (502) 485-6324.

Please Note: You may register your child for school regardless of immigration status and/or a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Services for Students With Educational Disabilities

Exceptional Child Education (ECE) services are available for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KARs). Students receive specially designed instruction to meet their needs as described on the Individual Education Program (IEP). Each student is served in the school that they would attend if not disabled unless the IEP requires a different school assignment.

The ECE Parent Resource Center assists parents in understanding the special education process. The staff helps parents work in partnership with their child’s school. The ECE website offers information on assessment, IEP development, parent resources, placement, programs, policy and procedures, and quick call listings at https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/student-support/exceptional-child.

Specialized School Choices

JCPS offers other school options to meet the various needs of Jefferson County students. For more information on admission to these schools, contact Student Relations at (502) 485-3335.

Liberty High School

Liberty High School enrolls students in grades seven through twelve. The seventh- through ninth-grade programs are designed to support seventh, eighth, and ninth graders who need additional resources at their current grade level in an effort to meet academic needs and assist in transitioning to the next grade level. Liberty offers students the opportunity to succeed with a small teacher-to-student ratio, individualized graduation plans, life skills education, and hands-on learning experiences. Liberty offers classes on a quarter schedule and with block scheduling.

The Phoenix School of Discovery

The Phoenix School of Discovery is a choice school that specializes in meeting the needs of students through differentiated instruction. The Phoenix enrolls students in grades six through twelve. Classes are taught by highly qualified educators in a setting that offers a small student-to-teacher ratio. Instruction is further enhanced by technology and interventions targeting students’ social, emotional, and academic needs. The school’s primary focus is not only to prepare students in grades six through twelve to reach state Proficiency levels, but also to meet the needs of the students where they are and to equip them with the necessary skills to be successful in life after high school.

Georgia Chaffee Teenage Parent Program

Georgia Chaffee Teenage Parent Program (TAPP) is designed to prevent school dropout due to teen pregnancy and parenting. The program, offered to middle and high school students throughout Jefferson County, is available at 1010 Neighborhood Place. Since 1970, TAPP has enabled thousands of young women to complete their high school education. Achievement is a key component of TAPP with an increasing number of our graduates enrolling in accredited colleges and technical career programs. Being a mother at a young age presents many barriers to success in school, such as illness, child- care issues, transportation, and access to medical care. TAPP provides these and other valuable services on-site so students never have to leave campus.

FAQs

Q: How do I register and apply to schools?
A: No application is required to attend your resides middle school.

Q: What does school choice mean?
A: JCPS offers a school choice system that lets parents apply to the school that best meets their child’s needs. We boost academic success by letting parents apply to the school or program that best matches their child’s needs and their learning style.

Q: How do I apply for magnet schools or magnet programs?
A: The online magnet application can be accessed on a computer, tablet, or smart phone. If you don’t have internet access, you can go to the nearest middle school or the JCPS registration site located in the Lam Building at 4309 Bishop Lane*.

You can also apply in person* at the following:

• The JCPS Satellite Office at the California Community Center located at 1600 West Saint Catherine Street
• The JCPS Satellite Office at the Academy @ Shawnee located at 4018 West Market Street
• The JCPS ESL Office located at 1325 Bluegrass Avenue

*Please Note: Due to COVID-19 health recommendations that may affect the registration/application period, families are encouraged to call (502) 313-HELP to determine if these sites are available prior to arriving.

If you are new to the JCPS school district and want to attend your resides middle school, you must first contact the school (not the district) about new student registration. The school will require proof of address. 

Q: How many magnet choices can I submit for my child?
A: Parents may select up to two magnet choices on the application.

Q: How can I change the magnet application to a different school or program?
A: An online magnet application can be changed until December 16, 2020. Changes are not permitted once the application period closes.

Q: How do I find out my resides school?
A: Use School Finder to find your school.

Q: I have applied for a magnet, but my address has changed. What do I do?
A: Call the Student Assignment Office at (502) 485-6250 to determine if the change of address will impact your child’s magnet application. Some schools or programs have boundaries, and a change of address could mean your child, if accepted, would have a different school assignment

Q: When will I find out the status of my child’s magnet assignment?
A: Students who apply during the application period will be notified of the status of their application by April 1, 2021.

Q: I missed the magnet application period. What are my options?
A: You may submit an application after December 16, 2020; however, the application will only be considered if the school has openings for additional students. Students may always attend their resides school.

Q: I’ll be moving to Jefferson County after school begins. What are the magnet options for my child?
A: Students who relocate to Jefferson County after the start of the 2021-22 school year can inquire about a magnet school option at the time of their arrival, through December 31, 2021. Students may always attend their resides school. Call the Student Assignment Office at (502) 485-6250 for more information.