4 Reasons to Love Sayre School

As a top-ranked private educational institution in Kentucky, Sayre School provides students with a best-in-class education. Through our nurturing and challenging learning environment, we prepare students to make a positive impact on the world. 

Here are four reasons our families, faculty, and staff love Sayre.

1: College Prep Curriculum

Sayre has a strong focus on college preparation, equipping students with the independence, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities they need to thrive in any college environment.

Our Lower School and Middle School provide a strong foundation in core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Incorporating writing, research, and public speaking skills into the curriculum helps sets the stage for upper grades.

In the Upper School, students complete a core curriculum and electives to prepare for postsecondary education. AP courses, honors classes, and independent studies further enrich and challenge students. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

We offer 19 AP courses, which provide college-level instruction and the opportunity to earn course credit that can be applied to participating colleges. 

Current AP courses are AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language & Composition, AP French Language & Culture, AP Literature & Composition, AP Music Theory, AP Physics, AP Physics I, AP Physics II, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art Drawing, AP U.S. History, and AP U.S. Government and Politics.   

Honors Courses

Our honors courses help students gain a competitive edge on college admissions and develop skills for college-level work. They include 2D Honors Art, Honors French IV, Honors French V, Honors Spanish IV, Honors Algebra II, Honors Precalculus, and Honors Music Theory. 

In addition, we offer honors credit for piano, band, and vocal performance for students with advanced musical skills. 

2: STEAM Education 

At Sayre, we provide students with a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Our state-of-the-art facilities and distinguished faculty create a dynamic learning environment that fosters innovation and creativity.

STEM Coursework

In the Lower School, our goal is for students to develop both concrete academic skills as well as the competence to apply these skills in meaningful ways. Math instruction uses the Reveal Math® system to develop students' conceptual understanding and habits, making them problem solvers and critical thinkers inside and outside the classroom. 

Science curriculum includes life, physical, earth, space, and social science, with hands-on investigations, written reflections, and cooperative science labs and engineering projects making subject matter come alive.

In Middle School, fifth and sixth graders build upon mathematics fundamentals, while seventh and eighth graders study pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. Science instruction includes matter and energy, earth science, space, engineering design, human impact on the environment, biology, human anatomy and physiology, and physics. 

In the Upper School, STEM classes include biology, chemistry, environmental science, advanced research design, physics (including modeling and mechanics), nutritional chemistry, health education, lab technician, algebra, geometry, precalculus, calculus, statistics, and computer science. We also offer two STEM-related distinction diplomas in engineering and sustainability. 

Visual and Performing Arts

Fine arts instruction begins in preschool, with teachers using creative play to introduce art and music. 

In the Lower School, we place a growing emphasis on skill-building in both art and music. Lower School students create and perform in class and extracurricular plays and musicals. They may also participate in chorus. 

In Middle School, students delve into artmaking processes, including 2D and 3D art. Students may also study writing, design, and performance, with seventh and eighth graders performing in an annual musical theatre production.

Upper School students develop their skills in 2D and 3D studio art and may progress to drawing, painting, ceramics, and advanced classes. Visual art students also exhibit their work on the Sayre campus and in the community. 

Theatre electives include an introductory course, acting studio, and playwriting. Upper School students perform in two productions annually: a fall play and a spring musical. 

Both Middle and Upper School students may study guitar, piano, voice, chorus, band, and composition. Students may also participate in the Kentucky All-State ensembles, honor ensembles within our district, and solo and ensemble festivals.

3: Athletics

Sayre offers baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.  

Spartans compete against the best in Kentucky, playing a rigorous schedule that prepares them for success. Many Sayre athletes go on to play sports in college. In the past two years, an impressive 15% of graduating seniors signed letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level.

At Sayre, we encourage students to participate in multiple sports. This balanced approach fosters a love of athletics and helps students develop a variety of skills. We also emphasize both competition and participation. All students regardless of experience level are welcome to join a team. 

Our Sayre Athletic Complex has fields for soccer, baseball, football, lacrosse, and other sports. Training room equipment includes treadmills, weight machines, and free weights.

4: Welcoming Environment

At Sayre, we recognize students as individuals. We foster social and emotional growth in each child, equipping them with the skills to build strong relationships, manage emotions, and solve problems effectively.

We help students achieve their fullest potential using the path that works best for them. This transformative experience comes through curiosity, academic rigor, and experiential learning in an environment built on our core values of wisdom, integrity, respect, and compassion. 

Our diverse student body creates a rich learning environment. Students learn to appreciate different perspectives and work collaboratively, while teachers adapt their teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. 

Small class sizes allow our faculty to give individualized attention to each student. When children need additional support, our Academic Services department has two reading specialists, two math specialists, and four academic and curriculum specialists available to help. 

As the only PK-12 school located in the heart of downtown Lexington, our school seamlessly integrates into the cultural resources of the surrounding cityscape. Students have opportunities to perform in a historic theater, conduct mock trials in a federal courthouse, and engage in community gardening. Through our commitment to responsible citizenship, we offer programs in service learning, wellness, sustainability, and financial literacy.

With a strong focus on college-prep curriculum, STEAM education, athletics, and social-emotional development, Sayre provides a nurturing environment where students can thrive. By choosing Sayre, you are investing in your child's future and ensuring they receive a first-class education.