Inside Sayre - Sayre School | Academic Excellence in PK-12 Inside Sayre The World as Our Classroom: Sustainability and Environmental Education Under overcast skies on one of the first warm days of spring, a group of middle schoolers wield shovels and wheelbarrows, the metallic clanging of tools contrasting with the warbles of birds who have newly returned for the season. As the students dig, rake, and transfer soil, they prepare the raised beds for planting. At Sayre School, we believe that the world is our classroom, a place where students learn to care for the earth as they discover their place in it. We are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship through teaching and policies that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation, and ecological responsibility. Sayre Receives Top Honors in Best of Lex Poll for 2026 Sayre School has been recognized by Smiley Pete Publishing as the Best Private Elementary School and Best Private High School in Lexington. In the publisher’s third annual Best of Lex rankings released this spring, the Lower and Upper Schools were ranked No. 1 among private schools, while the Middle School was ranked No. 2. In another critical ranking, Sayre has achieved an A+ rating from Niche , a leading educational resource platform. The site ranks the Upper School as No. 3 among private college prep high schools in Kentucky, No. 3 among STEM high schools in Kentucky, and No. 4 among private high schools in the state. Alumnus Audrey Zahn Stars in New Movie as Competitive Dancer Sayre School’s own Audrey Zahn '21 is starring in the new movie “ She Dances ,” which was released nationwide in March after premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival last year. Audrey plays alongside her father Steve Zahn. Audrey plays the lead role of Claire, a competitive dancer managing grief and family tension. Steve plays a struggling single father reconnecting with his distant teenage daughter while chaperoning her at a regional dance competition. Alumna Anna Palumbo Selected for Student Congress Anna Palumbo ’23 has been selected to represent Washington, D.C., at the 2026 Henry Clay College Student Congress . She will join 50 of her peers from around the country in an intensive study of diplomacy, modern leadership, and the dynamics of the policy process. The program, which runs for two weeks in May, includes one week at the University of Kentucky and another at American University in Washington, D.C. The Academic Advantages of Sleep In the busy world of academics, athletics, and extracurriculars, we often think of sleep as “downtime,” a period when the brain turns off to recharge. But sleep is actually a highly active state that promotes classroom success. At Sayre School, we see restorative rest as a vital pillar of student achievement, helping students’ brains turn the day’s lessons into long-term knowledge. A good night’s rest also prepares students to start the next school day bright-eyed, focused, and ready to lead with purpose. Sayre's Parent Resource Library At Sayre School, we see the education of students as a shared journey between the classroom and the home. To support you, our school counselors, Nicole Garrett and Callie Snowden, have curated a comprehensive Parent Resource Library. This collection of expert-vetted materials offers different perspectives and tools to help you make the best decisions for your family. Topics include general parenting, mental health, grief, substance abuse, and technology/social media. Resources are organized by division, ensuring the information you find is developmentally appropriate. Making the Most of Snowy Days with Your Kids When the weather keeps everyone indoors, the usual routine goes out the window. Even if your kids are logging into virtual classrooms, being stuck at home all day can lead to restless energy and a quick onset of boredom. Here are some fun ways to transform a day spent inside into a memorable experience, with activities the whole family can enjoy or that your kids can dive into on their own. Finding Your Fit: A Guide to the Sayre School Admissions Process Choosing the right school is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. At Sayre School, we believe the heart of a successful education lies in finding a mutually good fit between students and our community. Our mission is to empower students to achieve academic excellence and lead purposeful lives, and that journey begins with a thoughtful, collaborative admissions process Whether you are exploring options for a two-year-old or looking for a rigorous college-preparatory environment for a high schooler, here is your step-by-step guide to joining the Sayre family. Hitting the Mid-Year Stride The return from Holiday Break marks the start of the second semester at Sayre School. We are now officially halfway through the academic year – a time for a mid-year assessment, any necessary course corrections, and an opportunity to build sustained momentum that will carry students through to the finish line in the spring. For students at every grade level, the second semester is defined by consistency, deeper learning, and the chance to apply the knowledge and study habits they gained in the fall. As a Sayre parent, you can help your children find their stride this semester. Here are some tips on how to best support them. Keep the Learning Alive, Holiday Break Edition The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and relaxation. A stay at Grandma’s beachside home in Florida. A ski vacation at a snowy lodge in Colorado. Leisure time at home, cozying around the fireplace together. Yet while downtime and family time are important, how can you help your children and teens continue to learn and grow while away from the classroom? Here are some tips to maintain momentum during the most festive of seasons. The End-of-Semester Reset The end of each semester demands focus, endurance, and effort from students at every level. At Sayre School, we view the holiday break as a natural time for a reset. By celebrating the end of the term, giving them the downtime they need, and encouraging them to reflect on the gains they’ve made, they’ll be better prepared when school resumes in January. Acing Exams: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Students Prepare At Sayre School, we believe that success is rooted in strategy, and as a parent, you can help your child develop strategic study techniques. This guide is your toolkit for transforming pressure into performance, covering everything from effective organization and study techniques to time management, sleep, and stress reduction. Technology-Enabled Learning at Sayre At Sayre, we are committed to providing an exceptional education that prepares students for a rapidly changing world. One way we do this is by integrating technology into every aspect of our curriculum. In fact, we harness technology to nurture collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in school and beyond. Fostering Teamwork at Sayre School Teamwork isn't just about winning a game; it's a foundational skill for success in college, careers, and life. From cooperating on group projects in the classroom to collaborating in the workplace, being able to communicate, share responsibility, and respect different perspectives are essential skills. At Sayre School, we are committed to nurturing these qualities in every student, from our youngest Spartans to our seniors. 5 Ways Sayre is Innovating in the Classroom At Sayre School, we believe innovation is about pioneering new and better ways to nurture curiosity and deepen understanding. This focus on innovative thinking, in addition to using the latest technology, drives our faculty. Our dedicated teachers continually evolve their methods to ensure that every student develops the critical skills needed for a complex, ever-changing world, placing skills application and active development at the core of learning. Middle School Teacher Explores Science Education on Sabbatical This summer, Middle School Science Teacher Shelby Reesor embarked on a learning journey through the United Kingdom, exploring the stunning geography of Scotland and science education in London. The trip was made possible by Sayre School’s summer sabbatical program, which is supported by The Sayre Fund. Beyond Borders: Educating Kids for a Global World In an increasingly interconnected world, preparing students to be world citizens is more vital than ever. As part of our commitment to building character, we provide a global education that goes far beyond textbooks and traditional assignments. Through immersive travel experiences and in-depth studies, students learn about different cultures and become aware of their place in the world. Adventure Awaits: The Benefits of Outdoor Education Step outside the classroom, and a new kind of learning awaits. As students venture into nature, they come face-to-face with breathtaking landscapes, including grasslands, mountains, forests, and lakes, as well as the wild animals and plants that inhabit them. While classroom instruction is fundamental, we also recognize the impact of hands-on experiences and the power of the natural world. Preparing Your Sayre Student for an Overnight Trip As a new school year begins, excitement is building for Sayre’s overnight trips for fifth through twelfth graders in early September. These educational excursions are a cornerstone of the Sayre experience, offering unique opportunities for learning, personal growth, and lasting memories. We know you're already thinking about what your child will need. Here’s your guide to getting them ready. Helping Your Child Make the Transition to Middle School Middle School is a significant step in a child’s educational journey, and it’s natural for both children and parents to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about the transition. Whether your child is new to Sayre or attended our Lower School, you can help them navigate this new chapter with confidence. Here are our suggestions to help your student make the most of their middle school transition. With 83% Overall Pass Rate, Sayre Students Continue to Excel with AP Exams We are proud to announce that Sayre students continue to excel at a high level on their Advanced Placement (AP) exams! With an impressive 83% overall pass rate, our students once again demonstrated strong mastery across a wide range of subjects. A hallmark of Sayre’s AP program is that all students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the corresponding AP Exam to receive credit on their transcript, which promotes accountability. Sayre News Sayre Named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll about Sayre Named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll Sayre Media Your web browser does not support the <video> tag. Your web browser does not support the <video> tag. Our Newsletters