JCPS at a Glance

Students: 98,000+
Schools: 89 elementary, 24 middle, 22 high, 22 other learning centers
Teachers: 5,700
Teachers certified for the grades and subjects they teach: 100 percent
Average years of experience per teacher: 11.9
Parent Teacher Association membership: 61,600

JCPS is known across Kentucky and throughout the nation not only for providing innovative programs but also for setting ambitious goals. We currently are involved in two district-wide initiatives: Every 1 Reads, designed to get every student reading on grade level, and a math and science initiative designed to boost skills in those subjects as well as to increase the already impressive number of our graduates who go to college or postsecondary training (more than 70 percent).

JCPS also is known for award-winning students, teachers, and schools. The following is just a small sampling of recent honors.

Our students

  • 57 National Merit Semifinalists
  • $25,000 winner in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
  • Two finalists and a semifinalist in the Siemens Westinghouse Science Competition
  • 116 Students honored in the Duke University Talent Identification Program
  • 124 Governor’s Scholars
  • Kentucky Spelling Bee Winner
  • Key Club International Ambassador for UNICEF
  • National Girls’ JROTC Drill Team Championship (the seventh straight national title for the team)
  • Two students in the Class of 2006 earned perfect scores on the ACT.
  • Overall, the Class of 2006 earned more than $70 million in scholarships.

Our teachers and staff members

  • 2006 Kentucky Teacher of the Year
  • Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
  • American Civic Education Teacher Award
  • Two winners of the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence
  • Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching
  • National Distinguished Principal Award
  • National Special Education Administrator of the Year Award
  • Preserve America History Teacher of the Year
  • 54 National Board certified teachers

Our schools

  • Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) scores increased 4.7 points during the most recent two-year testing cycle. (The average increase for Kentucky districts was 3.8 points.)
  • Super System for Quality Schools Award (for having all schools accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)
  • What Parents Want Award (sponsored by the SchoolMatch research company)
  • Four schools (Ballard, duPont Manual, Eastern, and Louisville Male) made Newsweek magazine’s 2006 list of America’s Best High Schools.
  • Ten schools designated National PTA Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence
  • Sixty schools designated U.S. Department of Agriculture Gold Level Team Nutrition Schools

Of course, we enjoy national recognition, but local appreciation is even better. For the past several years, Jefferson County parents consistently have given JCPS high marks.

2006 parent survey question
Range: 0-5
I believe administrators and teachers do a good job maintaining discipline.
4.40
I believe teachers care about my child as a person.

4.43

I believe there is a positive learning atmosphere at my child's school.
4.46
My child likes school.

4.40

My child is getting a quality education.

4.56

My child will be able to go to the next grade level, go to college, or get a job after graduation.

4.53