More than 50 Kentucky schools certified as ‘Family Friendly Schools’

(LEXINGTON, KY) – The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence kicked off Family Engagement in Education Week at the Kentucky State Capitol on Monday by honoring the 54 Kentucky schools and early care centers that earned Family Friendly Schools Certification in 2024.

“Schools receiving this certification have shown a strong commitment to actively involving families in education,” said Brigitte Blom, president and CEO of the Prichard Committee. “These schools have taken creative steps to make families essential partners in the educational experience. These relationships have long-term benefits for families, students, educators, and the community more broadly. We’re gratified these schools have pursued this certification as a reflection of their dedication to students and the whole community.”

Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation at the event declaring Nov. 18-22 Family Engagement in Education Week in the Commonwealth.

The Family Friendly Certification process involves a multidisciplinary team of families, teachers and administrators using a self-assessment tool to evaluate the school’s efforts toward increasing family engagement. This team evaluates the school’s practices, identifies key areas for improvement, and integrates new practices designed to elevate its family-friendly rating.

The certification is awarded by the Prichard Committee after applications are reviewed and scored by a working group of families, educators and community organizations. The group is focused on increasing open communication, learning opportunities and shared decision-making power across the Kentucky education system.

The Kentucky Department of Education includes the Family Friendly Schools Certification in its School Report Card as evidence of effective family engagement.

“The Family Friendly Schools Certification demonstrates how schools across the Commonwealth are going above and beyond to ensure families are a welcome and active part of the school community,” said Felicia Cumings Smith, Prichard Committee board chair. “Giving families the opportunity to partner with educators to have a voice in their child’s education and lend their support where needed, will make learning experiences more meaningful and attainable.”

For more details on the Family Friendly Schools Certification, visit the Prichard Committee’s family engagement website.

2024 Family Friendly Schools Certification Awardees:

• Campbell Ridge Elementary School, Campbell County Public Schools.

• Crossroads Elementary School, Campbell County Public Schools.

• John W. Reiley Elementary School, Campbell County Public Schools.

• Campbell County High School, Campbell County Public Schools

• Campbell County Middle School, Campbell County Public Schools.

• Donald E. Cline Elementary School, Campbell County Public Schools.

• Grant’s Lick Elementary School, Campbell County Public Schools.

• Tygart Creek Elementary School, Carter County Public Schools.

• Baker Intermediate School, Clark County Public Schools.

• Burns Elementary School, Daviess County Public Schools.

• Heritage Park High School, Daviess County Public Schools.

• Lincoln Elementary School, Dayton Independent Public Schools.

• East Bernstadt Independent School, East Bernstadt Independent Public Schools.

• Lansdowne Elementary School, Fayette County Public Schools.

• Picadome Elementary School, Fayette County Public Schools.

• Yates Elementary School, Fayette County Public Schools.

• Brenda Cowan Elementary School, Fayette County Public Schools.

• Breckinridge Elementary School, Fayette County Public Schools.

• School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Fayette County Public Schools.

• Growing Together Preschool, Inc., Fayette County.

• Floyd County Early Childhood, Floyd County Public Schools.

• May Valley Elementary School, Floyd County Public Schools.

• Second Street School, Frankfort Independent Public Schools.

• Frankfort High School, Frankfort Independent Public Schools.

• Greysbranch Elementary School, Greenup County Public Schools.

• Wurtland Middle School, Greenup County Public Schools.

• McKell Middle School, Greenup County Public Schools.

• Harlan Elementary School, Harlan Independent Public Schools.

• Niagara Elementary School, Henderson County Public Schools.

• Jackson Independent School, Jackson Independent Public Schools.

• Grace James Academy of Excellence, Jefferson County Public Schools.

• Jenkins Independent School, Jenkins Independent Public Schools.

• Eastside Child Development Center, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.

• NKCAC Head Start- Elsmere Center, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.

• NKCAC Head Start- Boone County Center, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.

• NKCAC Head Start -Alexandria Center, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.

• NKCAC Head Start- Newport Center, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.

• NKCAC Head Start- Falmouth Center, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.

• Calvert City Elementary School, Marshall County Public Schools.

• Reidland Elementary School, McCracken County Public Schools.

• Menifee Central School, Menifee County Public Schools.

• Murray Elementary School, Murray Independent Public Schools.

• Rowan County Preschool Center, Rowan County Public Schools.

• Clearfield Elementary School, Rowan County Public Schools.

• Rowan County Senior High School, Rowan County Public Schools.

• Rodburn Elementary School, Rowan County Public Schools.

• Northside Early Childhood Center, Shelby County Public Schools.

• Shelby East Middle School, Shelby County Public Schools.

• Washington Co Elem Early Childhood, Washington County Public Schools.

• North Washington Elem Early Childhood, Washington County Public Schools.

• Washington County Elementary School, Washington County Public Schools.

• North Washington Elementary and Middle School, Washington County Public Schools.

• Washington County Middle School, Washington County Public Schools.

• Washington County High School, Washington County Public Schools.