Lexington’s newest magnet school for girls in science, tech, math now has a name

A name for the newest magnet program opening in Fayette County schools in the fall of 2020 was announced this week, following a vote from the families of the first students attending.

The school board on Monday approved the name Rise STEM Academy for Girls, a magnet school which will at first open in the former Linlee Elementary at 2420 Spurr Road. It will initially have 150 students in grades kindergarten through second and then add a level every year through eighth grade. Eventually, the program will have a new building, district officials have said.

Soraya Matthews, a director of teaching and learning in the Fayette district, said families chose the name from several options.

“Supporting girls in science, technology, engineering, and math in their formative years will build their confidence to more eagerly embrace these career pathways,” the school district website said about the program.

The district uses a lottery system and ensures that half of the students accepted are economically disadvantaged girls of color, the district website said.

Program officials want to cultivate an environment where girls are encouraged to indulge their STEM interests through project-based learning. Districtwide bus transportation will be available, and after-school programs are being developed.

This fall’s application window for the new magnet school is now closed, and offers have gone out to students who were accepted. The window for applications for 2021-22 will open Aug. 15.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, districts officials had not announced by Wednesday morning the exact date that schools will open this fall or whether at-home or in-person learning will take place.

Superintendent Manny Caulk said that he anticipated making those announcements next week following Gov. Andy Beshear’s expected release on Wednesday of more guidance for reopening schools.

This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 1:10 PM.