EDUCATION

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University was founded in 1906 with a faculty of seven. In 1909, when the first commencement was held, 11 people received degrees. Over the last century, we've grown to a full-fledged comprehensive university offering 168 degree programs and serving more than 15,000 students a year. But we haven't lost that small-college feel.

With a student-faculty ratio of just 17-1 and a strong emphasis on student success, EKU is able to offer its students the personal attention they need to succeed. Classes are generally small, and they're usually taught by professors, not graduate students. Our professors will take a genuine interest in how you're doing. There's no getting lost in the crowd here.

You won't be just a face in the crowd when it comes to campus life, either. There's always something going on to capture your interest and help you make new friends. You can get involved in one of the 175 student organizations, play intramural sports, try out for a play or a musical group... whatever your interests are, there's something here for you.

Madison County Schools

The Madison County School District serves more than 10,000 students in Preschool through the 12th grade. Our district�s Early Childhood Program serves about 350 pre-schoolers. We also operate the Madison County Day Treatment Center, the Madison Alternative School, Madison County Secondary GED Program　and 11 Family/Youth Resource Centers that serve our students and their families. We are continually working to improve the instructional program in our school system. Our students receive a well-rounded educational experience. The Madison County Achievement Center houses the Achievement Team, which consists of those who specialize in instruction and curriculum.

Madison County students consistently excel in many areas earning state and national recognition for their accomplishments in academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. Madison County was named one of the top 100 school districts in the nation for Music Education. The Madison County School District was also selected one of only 20 school districts in the state to receive the "What Parents Want" award, which is a national award based on parent surveys.

Facility improvements are an ongoing project in our district. The newest is　Glenn R. Marshall Elementary School which opened in August 2006 as the district�s 10th elementary school. The new Kingston Elementary School opened in August 2004. Two other new elementary schools � Shannon Johnson Elementary in Berea and Kirksville Elementary near Richmond - opened in 2000. A new middle school is in the planning stages and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2009.