Our Mission: Sayre School provides an innovative and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to achieve academic excellence, embrace challenge, and cultivate integrity in order to lead purposeful lives in an ever-changing world.
Sayre is downtown Lexington's only independent co-educational college preparatory day school, serving students from age two through twelfth grade.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked KY School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 620 students
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Sayre School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
ACT Score
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Math, ADD/ADHD, Language-based, etc
Year Founded
1854
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
School Mascot
Sparta
Student Body
Total Students
620 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
22%
State avg.: 12%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
79%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
19 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Art, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, French, Music Theory, Physics, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. Government, U.S. History
Average SAT score
1290
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Dress code for grades K-12
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Preschool tuition depends on 3 or 5 days, and noon or afternoon dismissal. Tuition varies by division from K-12. Please see the website for current tuition rates and financial aid. PS-Grade 12 Tuition $7,600-$28,500
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,000
Admissions Director
Jeff Oldham
Admissions Associate
Libby Hartley
Sports
Total Sports Offered
14 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
28 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Academic Team (Middle & Upper), Chess Club (Middle), Community Service, Debate Club, Diversity Club, FCA, French Club (Upper), French Honor Society, Green Club (Upper), Green Council (Upper), Kentucky Youth Assembly (Middle & Upper), KUNA, Math Club, National Honor Society, Newspaper Club, Pep Club (Upper), Political Clubs (Upper), Pre Med Club, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, Yearbook - Pillars
Arts and Music Programs:
Lower School Chorus, Lower School Drama (after school), Middle School Chorus
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball Camps, Lower School Basketball YMCA, Mens Volleyball Club (Upper), Tennis Clinic (Lower School)
Academic Team (Middle & Upper), Chess Club (Middle), Community Service, Debate Club, Diversity Club, FCA, French Club (Upper), French Honor Society, Green Club (Upper), Green Council (Upper), Kentucky Youth Assembly (Middle & Upper), KUNA, Math Club, National Honor Society, Newspaper Club, Pep Club (Upper), Political Clubs (Upper), Pre Med Club, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, Yearbook - Pillars
Arts and Music Programs:
Lower School Chorus, Lower School Drama (after school), Middle School Chorus
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball Camps, Lower School Basketball YMCA, Mens Volleyball Club (Upper), Tennis Clinic (Lower School)
School Notes
- Sayre`s academic program spans three divisions from preschool age 2 through twelfth grade, providing valuable continuity as children develop and grow across divisions. The academic program is rich in content and comprehensive in skill development, unfolding incrementally as it crosses grade levels. Our fundamental goal is to educate students to be independent thinkers, who graduate with the intellectual and emotional preparation needed to pursue their educational and personal goals with confidence and integrity. A warm, openly inclusive atmosphere pervades the school, bolstered by close relationships between faculty and students, where they learn to take intellectual risks and respectfully express opinions.Located in the heart of central Kentucky, in the downtown historic district of Lexington, Sayre provides students an opportunity to participate in the life of the local community through experiential learning opportunities and community service, while sharing with students a global perspective that transcends its regional boundaries. An academic program that focuses on 21st century skills including collaboration, critical thinking and creativity is the blueprint for teachers as they help students develop their ability to read closely, communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, and problem solve adeptly.Sayre School is fully accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Further, Sayre is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and the Kentucky Association of Independent Schools (KAIS).In addition, Sayre is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), Secondary School Admission Test Board (SSATB), and the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE).The school is fully sanctioned by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA).
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sayre School offer a summer program?
Yes, Sayre School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Sayre School offer?
Sayre School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Diving, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Sayre School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Kentucky for most sports offered.
What is Sayre School's ranking?
Sayre School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Kentucky for: Highest average ACT score, Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Sayre School?
The application deadline for Sayre School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Sayre School located?
Sayre School is located in the Martin Luther King neighborhood of Lexington, KY.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Sayre School also viewed these schools: Lexington Christian Academy, Trinity Christian Academy, The Lexington School, Lexington Catholic High School and Clays Mill Christian Academy.
The nearest high school to Sayre School is Sphinx Academy (2.4 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Ss Peter & Paul School (0.3 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 1,416 students 4.4 miles 450 W Reynolds Rd
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 422-5700
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 422-5700
4.4
PK-12
1,416
Grades: PK-12 | 434 students 5.8 miles 3900 Rapid Run Drive
Lexington, KY 40515
(859) 271-0079
Lexington, KY 40515
(859) 271-0079
5.8
PK-12
434
Grades: PK-8 | 652 students 3.5 miles 1050 Lane Allen Road
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 278-0501
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 278-0501
3.5
PK-8
652
Lexington Catholic High School
(Catholic)
Grades: 9-12 | 796 students 3 miles 2250 Clays Mill Road
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 277-7183
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 277-7183
3
9-12
796
Grades: K-12 | 147 students 6.6 miles 165 Nehemiah Way
Nicholasville, KY 40356
(859) 313-5285
Nicholasville, KY 40356
(859) 313-5285
6.6
K-12
147
School Reviews
5 1/6/2024
My child has thrived at Sayre School. This school not only invests in the education of the child but encourages them in all areas including arts, athletics, and music to create a well-rounded individual. We are a Sayre family now and it is truly rare when a school delivers in its effort and execution in creating the best human possible and fully prepared and set up for college.
5 12/22/2021
My child has had a wonderful experience at Sayre. The class sizes are second to none. He developed wonderful relationships with his classmates over the years, and I could not be happier. Direct instruction and personal relationships are built over time. College searches were easy when we had Sayre in our corner. Highly recommend.
5 10/7/2018
Excellent academic school. Teaches the whole child. Well round and productive kids come out of this program. Fantastic teachers focused on more than just test scores.
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