Fayette County Elementary Schools Experience Decline in Performance Ratings Amid Mixed Academic Progress

Fayette County public schools have seen a notable decline in their elementary schools’ performance ratings, dropping from the state’s second-highest rating last year to the third-highest this year, according to Kentucky’s K-12 accountability system data released on Thursday. The scores reflect a year marked by both improvements and continuing challenges across the district’s educational landscape.

The drop in elementary ratings contrasts with middle and high schools in Fayette County, which maintained their status at the state’s third-highest level. All educational tiers within the county received a yellow rating under Kentucky’s color-coded system, which assesses school performance using indicators relevant to test scores, school climate, and safety, as well as graduation and post-secondary readiness for high schools.

Overall, Fayette County’s performance revealed a mix of success and areas needing attention. Out of 38 elementary schools, 11 earned blue ratings, 11 achieved green, 18 received yellow, 12 were assigned orange, and four—specifically elementary schools—received red ratings. The top-performing schools included Clays Mill Elementary and SCAPA at Bluegrass, while Arlington Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Northern Elementary, and Millcreek Elementary scored the lowest, all dropping ratings from previous years.

Despite these challenges, Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins expressed pride in significant progress, especially regarding historically marginalized student populations. For the first time since 2018, no schools were flagged for low achievement among Black, Hispanic, or economically disadvantaged students. “This is a watershed moment for our district,” Liggins noted, highlighting the collaborative efforts from educators, students, and families.

In a promising trend, 21 elementary schools improved their combined math and reading scores. The district saw ten out of twelve middle schools and four out of six high schools also show improvement. Liggins acknowledged that while some campuses with high poverty concentrations continue to underperform, progress in closing achievement gaps is evident.

The district reported that around 52% of elementary students scored proficient or distinguished in reading, with 47% achieving the same in math. The middle school statistics indicated 50% proficient or distinguished in reading and 43% in math. High school assessments revealed 50% proficient or distinguished in reading, with 37% in math.

In addition to academic performance, key improvements were noted in attendance and graduation rates, with respective increases to 92.4% and a graduation rate rising to 92.65% this year. Furthermore, the attendance figure rose from 91.25% in 2021-22 to 91.87% in 2022-23.

Liggins emphasized ongoing efforts to support students, particularly those receiving special education and English language services, as targeted interventions are crucial for continued growth. “We have made progress in improving student achievement across racial groups,” he stated, while acknowledging that the achievement gap remains a significant concern that the district is dedicated to addressing.

Moving forward, Fayette County Public Schools plans to establish strategic support at lower-performing campuses, enhance instructional coaching, and implement culturally responsive learning focused on the unique needs of every child.