The Fayette County Board of Education has voted unanimously to rename the elementary magnet program offering science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum for male students. Beginning July 1, 2023, it will be called the George Washington Carver STEM Academy for Boys.

Housed in the renovated and historic Johnson Elementary building on Sixth Street, the program opened in August 2021 as the Carter G. Woodson Preparatory Academy – enrolling boys in grades K-2 and adding a level each year through fifth grade. Students are taught through the lens of African-American history, culture, and culturally responsive teaching and learning strategies. 

One of the challenges in establishing the program has been the confusion between the original Carter G. Woodson Academy (grades 6-12) and the elementary program of the same name. While some members of our community thought the new program was an extension or feeder for the middle/high program, others understood it as the male counterpart to the Rise STEM Academy for Girls. 

Over the past year, Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has met multiple times with community members to ensure the success of the boys’ program, and they recommended the district change the name for clarification. Our Equity Council Committee helped research and recommend possible names, and the board voted during their Dec. 5 planning work session.

Contact: District Spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall, (859) 699-1441

Posted Dec. 6, 2022