LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The first year of Jefferson County Public Schools’ choice initiative has resulted in nearly 80% percent of students choosing to go to school close to home rather than leaving their community or applying for magnet programs.

The choice initiative has made history for West Louisville as the first middle school in nearly 100 years will open just in time for the first day of school.

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County Public Schools choice initiative has resulted in nearly 80% percent of students choosing to go to school close to home rather than leaving their community

  • Hudson Middle School is the first JCPS middle school to open in West Louisville in 91 years

  • Currently, the school is in the revamped Wheatley Elementary School on 17th street

  • JCPS plans to build a brand new facility within the next few years

With the countdown to back to school on, Shonte Hardin is gearing up for an exciting year of teaching 6th grade English Language Arts.

“My aunt taught sixth grade science for years and I remember going shopping with her and seeing kids run up to her and tell her how she affected their life. And so I wanted to do the same,” shared Hardin.

Twenty-six years and hundreds of students later, she is still making a difference in her community.

This year Hardin and her staff are part of something big — the grand opening of Hudson Middle School. This is the first time Jefferson County Public Schools has opened a middle school in West Louisville in 91 years. Hudson is part of JCPS’ school choice initiative.

“It’s an exciting time because once again our children will have the opportunity to come home and stay home in the West End. And be proud of their community, have a sense of belonging. Be with their family, be with their friends,” said Hardin. 

On Aug. 8, Hudson Middle School will open its doors to 300 6th graders. Currently, the school is in the revamped Wheatley Elementary School on 17th street. However, JCPS plans to build a brand new facility within the next few years.

“The only families that truly did not have a choice in our former student assignment plan were families and parents in West Louisville. We needed to make sure that we gave resources to families. So this is not just a choice, it is a great choice,” said JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio. 

Hudson Middle School will offer programs for students to explore different areas of interest, like public service, consumer science and engineering and design.

Teachers like Hardin are looking forward to a historic year for the community.

The permanent location of Hudson Middle School has not yet been announced. However, Pollio says it will be the best facility in all of Jefferson County.

Related Stories