LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Three new Bezos Academy locations are set to open in Louisville later this year, offering tuition-free Montessori-inspired preschool education to children in need.
Applications for the schools, which are part of a larger initiative aimed at providing high-quality early childhood education, are now open.
The schools will serve children from families at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
One of the new schools is currently under construction in the Russell neighborhood, with two other sites slated for Okolona and Fairdale. The new schools will serve more than 100 children and provide wraparound services, including meals, to ensure the students' educational success.
“We are very fortunate that the Bezos Academy has made Louisville one of the cities they are investing in,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “They are providing free, year-round early childhood learning centers that will have a lasting impact on our community.”
Christi Lanier-Robinson, executive vice president of LDG Development, which is responsible for bringing the Bezos Academy to Louisville, said the program's goal is to open schools in areas where they are most needed.
"By the end of 2026, we will have four locations here in Louisville — in Russell, Riverport, Okolona, and Fairdale,” Lanier-Robinson said.
The Fairdale location, located near Coral Ridge and Fairdale Elementary schools, will focus on providing early education to children before they transition to elementary school.
Dan Seum Jr., a Metro Councilman for the Fairdale area, expressed his support for the initiative, saying it would positively impact local families.
"It’s a win-win for everyone, especially for the 40 kids and families who will be served at this site,” he said.
Parents and guardians of 3- and 4-year-olds can apply for the program now through May. Since the application process is a lottery, interested families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The schools are expected to be operational by fall 2025, with plans to provide additional slots for early childhood education in the future.
To apply to Bezos Academy, click here.
Related Stories:
- Construction underway on Bezos Academy's new tuition-free preschool in west Louisville
- New tuition-free preschool in Okolona to open in Louisville next year
- Bezos Academies to address pre-school gap for families in Louisville
- Bezos Academies hope to fill need for pre-school gap in Louisville
- Louisville's Center for Women and Families to get $2.5 million grant from Jeff Bezos fund
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