LEXINGTON, Ky. — George Washington Carver STEM Academy for Boys and Frederick Douglass High School have become the latest Fayette County Public Schools to earn accreditation from the Cognia Global Commission, according to a district announcement. Carver was accredited with merit and also earned STEM certification.

Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, systems and education agencies. The accreditation demonstrates a school's commitment to excellence, willingness to implement meaningful change based on evaluation and feedback, and dedication to continuous improvement. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for six years.

Cognia recognizes schools that meet rigorous performance standards based on four key characteristics: Culture of Learning, Leadership for Learning, Engagement of Learning, and Growth in Learning. Cognia STEM Certification specifically evaluates whether schools have built a learning ecosystem that embodies practices and characteristics of quality, relevant and age-appropriate STEM education.

The accreditation comes as nine other Fayette County schools maintain existing Cognia status. Beaumont Middle School and Locust Trace Agriscience Center have accreditation expiring June 30, 2029, while Bryan Station High, Henry Clay High, Paul Laurence Dunbar High, Tates Creek High and Veterans Park Elementary expire in 2031, 2031, 2030, 2030 and 2030 respectively. Lafayette High's accreditation expires in 2030, and The Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership's expires in 2027 unless renewed.