LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With the 2025–2026 school year already underway, Jefferson County Public Schools is encouraging families to look ahead to next year.
Hundreds of parents and students packed the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center on Saturday for the district’s annual Showcase of Schools — an event designed to help families learn about what JCPS has to offer.
Sade Shoulders spent much of the day walking through rows of booths with her fifth-grade son, exploring schools and programs across the district.
“He didn’t have the opportunity to go to school in kindergarten because it was COVID,” Shoulders said. “So I’m trying to find where he can have exposure with engagement — kids that are similar to him.”
Representatives from more than 160 schools talked with families about everything from academic programs and career pathways to athletics and student resources. The event also gave parents the chance to ask questions about zoning, school boundaries and support services.
“When you have a school district of this size, it’s very important to have something like this so that the public can have somewhere to go to learn about it all,” Iroquois High School Assistant Principal Matt Kingsley said.
Parents also raised questions about how schools address issues such as bullying and student interactions.
“My biggest concern would probably be bullying — really within the schools and how the different students work with each other,” parent Se’a Weathers said.
District leaders said wraparound services and case management are available to families who need extra support.
“We also have resources for families,” said Carolyn Callahan, JCPS' Communications Director. “We will do case management for families — we offer that to them if they want it. That’s their choice, but we have a lot of wraparound services that can help kids in that area.”
From kindergarten to high school, each booth showcased unique programs — from robotics and nursing at Seneca High School to career and technical options across the district.
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to come out and really get a taste of what each school is about — just a little taste,” Kingsley said.
Shoulders said she appreciated the chance to explore so many options as her son prepares for middle school.
“Just trying to see everything Louisville has to offer,” she said.
Families who missed the showcase can attend open houses at individual schools in the coming weeks. JCPS’ application period runs from Nov. 3 through Dec. 19.
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