$12 Million Northern Elementary is “Green” – powered by solar energy, and “Smart” technology is in every classroom,
and these top seniors speak for our educational excellence in Pulaski County

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, has ranked #1 of 176 state public school districts, and recently placed 5th in on the KATS (state mandated) academic test. Our high schools graduate seniors who are accepted at the top colleges in America.

As Somerset is the "Hub" for education in SE Kentucky. Somerset Community College (SCC) continues to impress as our region’s “education center;” today five state colleges and universities are onsite and offer degree programs through their extensions, and SCC’s Distance Learning curriculums allow for students to earn PhDs. Five new buildings were constructed on campus between 2005-2010 and there are plans to build a new Performing Arts Center. Our best high schoolers take dual college enrollment classes at SCC.

Our state-owned Pulaski County Technology Center was the first in the state and in the US to be SACS-accredited for Career and Technical education – perhaps the most significant training center for Pulaski County students and adults who prefer to start their careers upon graduation from high school.

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, as well as a Montessori and Tech school.

Greetings from Selected Education Leaders:

Jo Marshall, PhD
President
Somerset Community College

Steve Butcher
Superintendent
Pulaski Schools

Teresa Wallace
Superintendent
Somerset Schools

Boyd Randolph
Principal
Southwestern High

Jeff Perkins
Principal
Somerset HS

John Hale
Principal
Somerset Christian

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.

More on SCC

Southwestern High students and Pulaski County High’s 6,000 seat field house

Pulaski County Schools District: By far the largest, with 8,000 students (the 14th 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). 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 Steve Butcher 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!

Pulaski County Schools
($12 million Northern Elementary, and SWHS – meet Adam, Jasi, and Amy)

A major magazine chose SHS as having the most unique nickname/mascot in the country

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.

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

Superintendent Rick Walker with kindergarteners and Principal Rita Presley

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.

Tour Science Hill Elementary

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

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!

Learn More and Tour Somerset Christian School

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

Montessori – The Children’s House: 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

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

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.

Not just a technical school or vocational school for "non-college students," the Pulaski Technology Center is also a "bridge" to college for Engineering students, students interested in Construction, or even Nursing, can get a "leg up" on their knowledge base, acquire certified skills and get licensed to work, and grow their student resumes to be more competitive for their college applications – Principal Beth Hargis (pictured above) 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

Regional Colleges & Universities – we're close to Liberal Arts and regional universities, as well as close to 3 major Southeastern Conference universities, UK, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, including these below:

www.wku.edu/ (2 hours)