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February 22, 2012  |  Email This Page

We educate and raise great kids in Pulaski County, who rival the best in America. Science Hill Elementary, a single K-8 school/district which feeds either of the 2 other public systems' high schools, ranked #1 of 176 state public school districts in 2003, and recently placed 5th in on the KATS (state mandated) academic test.

Somerset is the "hub" for education in SE Kentucky. Somerset Community College (SCC) is an institution which has expanded by adding 5 new buildings on campus between 2002 and 2006, with plans in place to build a Performing Arts Center. The state-owned Pulaski County Technology Center, brought here after successful lobbying led by Pulaski County Schools' Superintendent Tim Eaton, was the first district of 55 in the state and in the US to be SACS-accredited for Career and Technical education.

In this section you will meet graduating seniors that will leave no doubt that the very best students are challenged by our schools, and graduate prepared to succeed – they will also be compassionate citizens due to an upbringing by schools which are "connected" with our community and with active parental involvement.

Schools & Districts

Along with 3 public school districts (Science Hill, Pulaski County, and Somerset Schools), parents also have a Pre-K-12 private school option in Somerset Christian School.

Pulaski County Schools District: By far the largest, with 8,000 students (the 14^th largest school district in KY), with 8 elementary, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools (both high schools have an enrollment of over 1,000 students).

From left, Superintendent Tim Eaton with Southwestern HS Principal Boyd Randolph, and Seniors Jasi Flynn, Amy Puerto, and Adam Earp.  SWHS is the newest high school in the county.

With a total enrollment that dwarfs the others combined, here is the unique combination of a district with the resources to provide state-of-the art facilities and tools for its elite students and athletes, but is also meeting the challenges of serving all of its students, including providing alternative education options.  With more than 1,500 employees, the district is guided by Tim Eaton and his vision of an "educational union with Pulaski County" that will essentially be responsible for supporting Somerset’s growth as the "leader" in a 42-county region of southern Kentucky – that’s a huge challenge.  Jasi, Amy, and Adam are a testament to how bright our future is going to be!

Tim Eaton
Superintendent

"Somerset gleans its charm from the people who instill a sense of belonging. They innovatively strive to improve the quality of life through cultural events and keeping the pace to stay abreast with important rural development issues. You will enjoy this safe, lovely community where good people live."

Pulaski County Schools
(SWHS, and Meet Adam, Jasi, and Amy)

Somerset Independent Schools District: The city district" that is surrounded by Pulaski County Schools, this 3-school elementary, then middle, then high school district can be best described in one word: "tradition."  With roots dating back to the mid 1800s, the Somerset High "Briar Jumpers" boast more than its unique nickname.  It's the only high school in the county that met all state (KATS) assessment goals, and since 2004, has had 3 National Merit Finalists and 1 National Merit Commended Senior.  At 470 students (1/3 the size of the 2 high schools in the Pulaski Schools), this little 1-A (smallest high school size) dynamo packs a significant punch.

A major magazine chose SHS as the most unique nickname in the country. SHS is thriving, as evidenced by a few of its "super seniors," Nikita Rodrigues, Katie Weigel, and Adam Joplin.

Teresa Wallace
Superintendent
Somerset Independent Schools

“Besides offering a wonderful quality of life, Somerset is also a very economical community in which to live. We have low tax rates and low utility rates, which make our area more appealing.”

Tour SHS
(and Meet Katie, Nikita, and Adam)

Science Hill School District: One school. Unlike the other districts, Science Hill Elementary is Pre-K thru 8, instead of being split into an elementary and middle school. Does this make a difference? The KATS academic achievement scores not only trumped our region, but the entire state in 2003. Graduates from Science Hill Elementary may choose to attend either Pulaski County High Schools or Somerset High School.

Superintendent Rick Walker with kindergarteners and Principal Rita Presley

Tour Science Hill Elementary

Somerset Christian School: The compelling Pre-K thru 12 private school in Pulaski County that embraces all Christian faiths, SCS adheres to what the school says is the more rigorous Stanford Achievement Test vs. the State of Kentucky aptitude testing, and on that test every grade here scored above the 70% percentile. Accredited and eligible for the state’s KEES scholarship program, with multiple AP courses, the students of SCS endorse an Honor Code, and parents confirm a Statement of Faith. Overall, does SCS offer a curriculum and educational experience that rivals local schools? We asked John – he has more than 20 years experience as a public school principal, so he has the benefit of being able to compare!

Principal John Hale with Senior Ally Maynard, welcome you to SCS!

Learn More and Tour Somerset Christian School (video)

Montessori – The Children’s House:

“We believe the foundation of true education is to nurture within each child a profound
sense of joy and appreciation for lifelong learning.”

Mrs. Phyllis Orwin Lawson, Director of The Children’s House, pictured above, followed in her mother’s footsteps, showing love and compassion for children, and the interest in providing a nurturing and educational environment for children. Phyllis began teaching in 1990 at the First Christian Church Kindergarten, and joined The Children’s House upon its inception in 1996. Learn More

Pulaski County Area Technology Center: Operating under the State of Kentucky's Department of Education/Workforce Investment, and sponsored by Pulaski County Schools (but open to all students), with the state setting the standard for this new education model in the US, our district was the 1st in the US to be SACS accredited for 5 different program areas.

Instructor Scott Johnson in Welding, and Beth Hargis, Principal of the Technology Center, showing the Blue-tooth enabled writing tablet that wirelessly connects to each classroom’s monitor and Instructor

Not a technical school or vocational school necessarily for "non-college students," instead, the Pulaski Technology Center is often a "bridge" to college as Engineering students, students interested in Construction, even Nursing can get a "leg up" on their knowledge base, acquire certified skills, but also grow their student resumes to be more competitive for their college applications – Principal Beth Hargis gave us a tour of this very interesting facility, which buses in more than 400 students per day (maximum 20 per class) who get hands-on instruction from certified instructors from the real world.

Pulaski County Area Technology Center

Somerset Community College (SCC) is emerging as one of the finest post-secondary institutions in Southern Kentucky. Six 4-year universities/colleges have a presence here in Somerset, and 2 offer Masters programs. SCC is also actively involved in providing arts and cultural programs for children of our region.

SCC Marketing Director Dave Cazalet boasts of their Nation's Top Journalism student

More on SCC

Perspectives From Our Educators:  We appreciate Dr. Marshall and these selected principals taking the time to share with us their perspectives on living in Pulaski County!

Jo Marshall, PhD
President
SCC

Boyd Randolph
Principal
SWHS

Jeff Perkins
Principal
Somerset HS

John Hale
Principal
Somerset Christian

PDF Brochure

KCCT State Public Schools Accountability Index: Once in the lowest (yellow) percentile a decade ago, both Pulaski County Schools and Somerset Independent Schools scored in the second-tier (red), narrowly missing the state’s highest standard scores (Science Hill Elementary was in the top (blue) percentile, however). Superintendent Tim Eaton, of the Pulaski County Schools, provided this graphic and emphasized even if all schools were in the highest category, test scores alone do not consider the resources for the very best students as well as for the challenged, the environment and safety issues, community features, and the many factors that contribute to raising a child to be a productive citizen.

Additional note – the "north-to-south" string of red counties mirrors the I-75 corridor while the vertical line of blue counties to the west mirrors the I-65 corridor. Pulaski County hosts the new junction of the new east-to-west I-66 which will connect the 2 north-to-south interstates.

Regional 4 Year Universities – we're close to 3 major Southeastern Conference universities, UK, Tennessee,
and Vanderbilt.

 

 

www.wku.edu/ (2 hours)

 

Resources:

SCC:  www.somcc.kctcs.net
Somerset Christian:  www.somersetchristianschool.jimdo.com
Pulaski County Schools:   www.pulaski.net
Somerset Independent Schools:  www.somerset.k12.ky.us
Science Hill School District:  www.science.k12.ky.us

 

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