Sayre history - Sayre School | Academic Excellence in PK-12
Source: http://www.sayreschool.org/parents/onesayre/sayre-history
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:25
Sayre history - Sayre School | Academic Excellence in PK-12
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Sayre history
Our story, your story
Sayre’s story is now part of your family’s story. Learn about David A. Sayre’s 19th century vision for a new kind of school, and how we’ve evolved over the years into a best-in-class, independent college preparatory academy.
David Austin Sayre was a man of humble origins who received most of his education by hard work and experience rather than by formal schooling.
Born on March 12, 1793, near Madison, New Jersey, Sayre was apprenticed as a youth to a silversmith. Moving west to Lexington in pursuit of his trade, he soon owned his own silver plating shop. He used the proceeds of this business to enter into the banking business.
Championing women’s education
In 1854, convinced of the need for female education, Sayre founded a school for girls. He purchased the building of the former Second Bank of the United States at the corner of Mill and Church Streets.
The school was highly successful and within a year had outgrown its original location. As a result, Sayre purchased a five-acre tract on Limestone Street, and the school moved to its present location in October 1855.
The lot was called Johnson’s Grove and included a grand brick mansion with a cupola. Now called Old Sayre, the building stands proudly at the focal point of the Front Circle, a testament to the school’s legacy.
Navigating wars and economic downturns
Over the next century, the school continued to grow and expand its curriculum despite periods of crisis – most notably during the American Civil War and World War II. In 1876, boys were admitted to the Primary Department, and the school established one of the first kindergarten programs in the state.
For a short time, the school became a junior college granting a two-year degree (1908 –1922) along with a regular high school diploma. The college was discontinued in 1922. Because of the Great Depression and a declining enrollment after World War II, the high school (with its boarding facilities) was closed in 1947.
For the next 14 years, Sayre did not have an Upper School. Children who graduated from the eighth grade at Sayre often entered University High, or the model lab school associated with the Department of Education at the University of Kentucky.
A ‘New Era’ and continued growth
In 1961, the Board of Trustees, believing in Lexington’s need for a co-educational, college preparatory school, began a campaign to renovate and expand the campus. Within the next two years, the C.V. Whitney Gymnasium and the Headley-deWaal buildings had opened. In 1965, the first high school class of the school’s “New Era” graduated.
Over the next four decades, the campus continues to expand with new classroom buildings, playgrounds, and technology upgrades.
The legacy lives on
Today, Sayre School flourishes as an independent, co-educational college preparatory school for students from age 2 through grade twelve. Its place of pride in Lexington and Kentucky educational culture is a testament to the enduring legacy of David Austin Sayre’s vision. Now, as a member of our growing community, your family will become part of Sayre’s legacy, shaping the future of this exceptional school.
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Skip To Main Content
Sayre history
Our story, your story
Sayre’s story is now part of your family’s story. Learn about David A. Sayre’s 19th century vision for a new kind of school, and how we’ve evolved over the years into a best-in-class, independent college preparatory academy.
David Austin Sayre was a man of humble origins who received most of his education by hard work and experience rather than by formal schooling.
Born on March 12, 1793, near Madison, New Jersey, Sayre was apprenticed as a youth to a silversmith. Moving west to Lexington in pursuit of his trade, he soon owned his own silver plating shop. He used the proceeds of this business to enter into the banking business.
Championing women’s education
In 1854, convinced of the need for female education, Sayre founded a school for girls. He purchased the building of the former Second Bank of the United States at the corner of Mill and Church Streets.
The school was highly successful and within a year had outgrown its original location. As a result, Sayre purchased a five-acre tract on Limestone Street, and the school moved to its present location in October 1855.
The lot was called Johnson’s Grove and included a grand brick mansion with a cupola. Now called Old Sayre, the building stands proudly at the focal point of the Front Circle, a testament to the school’s legacy.
Navigating wars and economic downturns
Over the next century, the school continued to grow and expand its curriculum despite periods of crisis – most notably during the American Civil War and World War II. In 1876, boys were admitted to the Primary Department, and the school established one of the first kindergarten programs in the state.
For a short time, the school became a junior college granting a two-year degree (1908 –1922) along with a regular high school diploma. The college was discontinued in 1922. Because of the Great Depression and a declining enrollment after World War II, the high school (with its boarding facilities) was closed in 1947.
For the next 14 years, Sayre did not have an Upper School. Children who graduated from the eighth grade at Sayre often entered University High, or the model lab school associated with the Department of Education at the University of Kentucky.
A ‘New Era’ and continued growth
In 1961, the Board of Trustees, believing in Lexington’s need for a co-educational, college preparatory school, began a campaign to renovate and expand the campus. Within the next two years, the C.V. Whitney Gymnasium and the Headley-deWaal buildings had opened. In 1965, the first high school class of the school’s “New Era” graduated.
Over the next four decades, the campus continues to expand with new classroom buildings, playgrounds, and technology upgrades.
The legacy lives on
Today, Sayre School flourishes as an independent, co-educational college preparatory school for students from age 2 through grade twelve. Its place of pride in Lexington and Kentucky educational culture is a testament to the enduring legacy of David Austin Sayre’s vision. Now, as a member of our growing community, your family will become part of Sayre’s legacy, shaping the future of this exceptional school.
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