Pike County Schools

Pike County Schools

The motto for the Pike County School System is "Success for All." According to Superintendent Frank Welch, it is more than a motto; it is a way of life. "You can get a world class education right here in Pike County," said Welch. "The Pike County School System has for many years been a good school system, but we have made up our minds that we are going from good to great." Currently a number of district employees, parents, community members and others are involved in the creation of a strategic plan to guide the district towards achieving greatness.

The Pike County School district has sixteen elementary schools with varying grades of pre-school through eighth, three middle schools, five high schools, and three two-day treatment centers. Enrollment for the 2002-2003 school year was approximately 10,000.

"Academically, the public schools try to offer something for every student," Welch said, "from providing for the special needs of the handicapped to offering challenging courses for the gifted and talented student." Pike County's Literacy Program is designed to make sure that all students are reading at or above grade level by the time they exit primary. The district had nineteen of its schools in the KERA "reward" category.

The County's system supports some 6,230 computers. A student-operated technology help desk at Pike County Central High School was the first of its kind in the nation. This prototype program has now expanded into all County high schools as students are continuously taught its operation. The school system also has three distance learning labs where students can interact with students throughout the world via teleconferencing.

"Success for All. We're making our motto something everyone can buy into," said Superintendent Welch.

Pikeville Independent

The motto of the Pikeville Independent School district is "Every Child, Every Day." "Pikeville Independent is committed to continually raising the bar of academic rigor by challenging students on a daily basis," said Pikeville Independent Schools Superintendent Jerry Green. "Meaningful and high quality instruction is provided by our dedicated and professional educators, and helps to prepare our children for future careers."

The system has one K-6 elementary school and one 7-12 high school; enrollment for 2002-2003 was 1240. Preschool services are provided through a contractual arrangement with Model City Day Care, and Pikeville Elementary also has its own preschool program.

Pikeville Independent ranked in the top ten of Kentucky school districts during the last state testing cycle with Pikeville High School in the "reward" category. The High School's and the Middle School's Academic Teams recently made history by being the only district to win the Kentucky Academic Quick-Recall Governor's Cup in both divisions.

The district's Reading Recovery Program provides daily one-on-one instruction for struggling readers. The youngest learners are also supported by individual literacy plans, family involvement and on-going classroom assessment of reading progress.

A recent renovation project at Pikeville Elementary added a science laboratory for grades K-6. A full-time Science Teacher Partner participates in intensive, on-going professional development and provides training for colleagues within their own classrooms.

The system is focusing on effective integration of technology as a tool for learning. Both Pikeville Elementary School and Pikeville High School have implemented wireless computer labs with networked laptop computers which integrate technology with the classroom learning environment.

School safety is a priority and recent renovations at both schools included new entrances that provide increased security and monitoring. All elementary students participate in Second Step, a violence prevention curriculum recently designated as an "Exemplary Program" by the U.S. Department of Education.

The system's mission is to provide a meaningful, integrated education in a positive nurturing environment, to develop all students as lifelong learners and responsible citizens in a global community. Superintendent Green noted, "Our school district maintains the highest accreditation possible from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Our small size and strong community support allow us to provide outstanding facilities, programs and staff."

Other Public Education Opportunities

In addition to the two major school districts, there are two high-school level vocational technical centers: Belfry Area Technical Center at Belfry and Millard Area Technical Center at Millard.

Private schools in the area include St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School - a non-public school in Pikeville with an enrollment of 80, and the Christ Central School a Christian-based private school, also located in Pikeville, enrolling grades PK8.

St. Francis Elementary was the first non-public school in Pike County. Established and maintained under the auspices of Pikeville's St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the school is located in Keel Addition in Pikeville. Eighty students are enrolled in kindergarten through sixth grade.

In September of 1997, a non-denominational Christian school was opened at 630 Adams Road in Pikeville. Christ Central Academy and Training School now has 80 pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students and anticipates increasing enrollment by 10-15 each year. All students take daily Bible classes and attend chapel each week. The school's Parents' Organization has provided a well-furnished computer lab and a new playground. Basketball and soccer teams are coached by parent volunteers, and students participate in YMCA leagues. The Rick Lucas Memorial Library has been fully furnished by donations of funds and books. Ken Meade is the school's administrator.

For further information pertaining to K-12 education in Pike County, contact:

• Pike County Board of Education 606-432-7707
• Pikeville Independent Superintendent 606-432-0185
• St. Francis School 606-437-6117
• Christ Central School 606-432-9565