LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools opened the doors to a new state-of-the-art facility for Rise STEM Academy for Girls on Aug. 3, marking a major investment in STEM education for the district. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 988 Mason Headley Road drew students, families, school board members, and state officials to celebrate the newest facility in the district's portfolio of schools.

The 118,839-square-foot building, located at the intersection of Mason Headley and Versailles Road, was designed with a capacity of 900 students and features flexible, collaborative spaces that encourage project-based learning. The facility incorporated environmentally friendly and energy-efficient strategies in its design.

Rise STEM Academy for Girls launched in the 2020-21 school year in the former Linlee Elementary building on Spurr Road, initially welcoming students in grades K-2 and adding a grade level each year. The school targets economically disadvantaged girls of color and uses a lottery system for admissions, with districtwide bus transportation available.

"This new space represents opportunity, and every space in this building was designed with purpose," said Principal Cynthia Bruno at the ceremony. "There's a place for your voice and your brilliance in this world!"

Acting Superintendent Bill Bradford noted that Rise has served as a pioneer in developing the district's "Portrait of a Graduate," emphasizing lifelong learning and student resilience. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman commended Rise as only the second K-8 girls STEM school in the country. "That means more opportunities for our students, their families, and Kentucky's economy," Coleman said.

Mayor Linda Gorton highlighted the potential of the students, saying: "They are curious, they are intelligent, and they are absolutely our future leaders."

The project cost $58.4 million and was completed by D.W. Wilburn, Inc., a Lexington-based construction firm. The school's focus on STEM education aligns with district efforts to expose students to technology-related career pathways and build confidence in scientific and engineering disciplines.