LEXINGTON, Ky. — Harrison Elementary welcomed its first preschoolers in years this week, marking a major milestone in the downtown school's transformation into a Visual and Performing Arts magnet with extensive renovations completed in December 2025.

The Fayette County Preschool Program had operated a classroom at Harrison years ago but relocated due to state regulations requiring preschoolers be housed on ground floors. In spring 2022, the school board approved three new preschool classrooms as part of a five-year early childhood expansion plan, according to Fayette County Public Schools.

"It is a win for children, families, FCPS, and the community. Meeting families where they are is a game-changer," said Whitney Stevenson, director of Early Childhood Education for the district.

The 18-month renovation project cost approximately $18 million and included HVAC upgrades, new playgrounds for both preschoolers and grades K-5, and additional staff parking off Jefferson Street. The work also positioned Harrison to become a Visual and Performing Arts magnet school, with new sound systems, stage lighting, dance studios, and expanded music programming.

Assistant Principal Natasha Al-Suud emphasized the preschool's potential benefits. "If we can get these children in sooner, it's only going to help them down the road," she said, noting younger enrollment would prepare students better for kindergarten and engage families earlier in school communities.

The renovated building features classrooms designed specifically for young learners, with accessible materials, intentional color schemes, and dedicated outdoor play spaces. Downtown's proximity to arts venues has proved advantageous—Harrison staged "The Wizard of Oz" last year at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center on Main Street.

The school enlisted a local artist to paint expansive murals both inside and outside the building, providing students direct experience with professional art creation. Gallery-style individual art frames replace traditional bulletin boards in main hallways, while remote-controlled sconce lighting enhances the artistic atmosphere.

Enrollment at the historic downtown school has risen over the past four years, and Al-Suud said staff are committed to changing Harrison's narrative. "It's an old school but a proud school," she said.