LEXINGTON, Ky. — It’s back to school for some students in Kentucky’s second largest school district. RISE STEM Academy for Girls, Harrison Elementary and William Wells Brown started classes.

What You Need To Know

  • Three Fayette County Public Schools started Tuesday, July 30

  • RISE STEM Academy and the two promise academy schools started earlier to allow for enriched instruction 

  • RISE STEM Academy emphasizes science, technology, engineering and math education for girls in K-5th Grade 

  • The rest of FCPS starts Aug. 14

It was an exciting morning for students at Fayette County Public Schools’ RISE STEM Academy; the first day of school. The three schools returned two weeks earlier than the rest of the district to allow for enriched instruction. There are over 200 girls attending RISE STEM academy in Lexington.

“I’m just so happy to be a part of the RISE community and supporting and empowering our females so that we revolutionize the face of the STEM industry. It’s exciting,” said school principal, Cynthia Bruno.

RISE Academy emphasizes science, technology, engineering and math education for disadvantaged girls in kindergarten through 5th grade.

“I think they say by the time girls are in third grade they have lower confidence so it’s really important for us to start as soon as we can just to build them up and let them know that they have every right to be here and working in the STEM field,” Bruno said.

Greeting students were teachers, cheerleaders and community members, cheering them on to have a great start to the year.

“It’s really motivating that she has great examples right here in her hometown that she can grow up and pursue a great career, continue on with the family business,” said FCPS parent, Ashley Smith.

It was the first day of school for Ashley Smith’s daughter, Caroline.

“I’m so happy that I started crying. I’m excited for her,” Smith said.

The rest of FCPS goes back to class on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

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