Cassidy Elementary School

Cassidy Elementary School is a public elementary school in Lexington, Kentucky. It is part of the Fayette County Public Schools district and serves students in grades K–5. The school has about 645 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1. Cassidy Elementary has a full curriculum that includes math and reading basics, as well as science, social studies, art, music, and technology classes. The school was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023 for either having high academic performance or making significant progress in closing achievement gaps. About 70% of the students are White, 11% are African American, 9% are Hispanic, 3% are Asian, and 6% are multiracial. About 30% of students can get lunch for free or at a lower price. About 38% of students who took state tests in math and 33% who took state tests in reading in the 2023–24 school year did well or very well. The district spends more than the national average, about $22,500 per student. Cassidy Elementary is in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Lexington. It has a strong academic foundation, with strengths in programming and resources, and it gives students chances to improve their core academic skills.

The school was in the news recently when its school-based decision-making council (SBDM) tried to cut the arts program and then held secret votes on the matter. People in the community and teachers who were against the decision said it made it harder for elementary school students to get to the visual and performing arts. The action led to an appeal to the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, which turned down a previous request and said the council didn't properly record votes during important meetings on February 26 and March 25.

People in the community who care about the arts came together at Cassidy Elementary to hold meetings and protests to keep the school's music and art classes which shows the problems that come up when schools have to think about their budgets and decide which programs are most important. It's a problem because it will take time to rebuild trust and make sure that all programs are available. It's also an opportunity for the community to have more say in what the school offers. The school's reputation for strong core academics is still good overall, but the fight over the arts program shows that the community's expectations and the school's decisions need to be in line with each other.

Q1. What kinds of extracurricular activities does Cassidy Elementary have?

Ans. The school has clubs, music and art classes, and sports to help students pursue their interests outside of schoolwork.

Q2. Are there services for special education?

Ans. Yes, Cassidy provides personalized education plans and resource help for students with different learning needs.

Q3. What kinds of technology are available?

Ans. Students have access to computers, tablets, and interactive learning tools that are built into lessons.

Q4. Can parents help out?

Ans. Parents can join the Pto, help out, and go to school meetings.

Q5. What does the school do to help kids learn how to get along with others and deal with their feelings?

Ans. Guidance counseling and classroom programs help kids behave well and feel good about themselves.