Lexington, KY, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Mary E. Britton Middle School in Fayette County has officially opened its doors after a $82 million investment. The facility supports 550 students in grades 6-8, with features such as a medical sciences lab and agricultural science coop. The school emphasizes workforce preparation and community engagement, amid some controversy over its restroom policies. Principal Dave Hoskins highlighted unique aspects designed to enhance student safety and learning.
Lexington, KY – Mary E. Britton Middle School in Fayette County Public Schools is officially opening its doors for the first time in 21 years, following an investment of over $82 million. Located on Polo Club Boulevard in eastern Lexington, the facility spans 185,000 square feet and aims to offer educational space for 550 students in grades 6 through 8, with the potential to expand to accommodate up to 1,200 students in the future.
The school’s principal, Dave Hoskins, highlighted several key features of the building, including a medical sciences lab sponsored by Baptist Health and an agricultural science chicken coop. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the workforce before they transition into high school, fostering an environment focused on safety and support.
To celebrate the opening, an Open House was held the evening before for families and students to familiarize themselves with the new facility. The school will employ 60 state-certified staff and 25 classified employees to facilitate educational programs aimed at holistic student development and community engagement. In partnership with local organizations, the facility has already integrated workforce preparation into its programs, with classes covering subjects such as health sciences, agricultural science, business marketing, financial literacy, business development, and robotics.
The cafeteria, designed to double as an auditorium, includes a stage for performances, while the seating arrangements are flexible, catering to the needs of students with sensory issues. The school also places emphasis on student privacy and safety, particularly with its bathroom design. Individual restrooms will prioritize privacy, with a communal area provided for sinks and mirrors.
However, the school has faced controversy regarding its bathroom policies. Recent communications from the school district have resulted in confusion around whether restrooms will be gender-neutral or gender-specific. District officials clarified that the school will feature traditional boys’ and girls’ restrooms alongside family and/or gender-neutral options, attempting to address concerns raised by parents and lawmakers. The absence of clear messaging around restroom policies has drawn criticism, specifically from Rep. Matt Lockett, who noted the need for transparency in such a sensitive area.
Mary E. Britton, the namesake of the school, was a celebrated physician and civil rights activist known for her contributions to Lexington in the early 20th century. With a focus on creating a strong educational foundation, Britton Middle School aims not only to excel academically but also to nurture civic engagement, providing opportunities for students to earn high school credits before graduation.
Key Features of Mary E. Britton Middle School
- Cost: $82 million
- Size: 185,000 square feet
- Initial Enrollment: 550 students (capacity for 1,200)
- Staff: 60 certified staff, 25 classified employees
- Special Facilities: Medical sciences lab and agricultural science coop
- Civic Engagement Opportunities: High school credits available before graduation
- Flexible Seating: Designed for students with sensory issues
FAQs
What grades will Mary E. Britton Middle School serve?
What is the school’s initial enrollment capacity?
What types of classes will be offered?
What are the restroom arrangements at the school?
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $82 million |
| Size | 185,000 square feet |
| Initial Enrollment | 550 students |
| Future Capacity | 1,200 students |
| Staff | 60 certified, 25 classified |
| Special Features | Medical lab, agricultural coop |
| Community Partnerships | Baptist Health and Benchmark Mortgage |
| Restroom Design | Traditional and gender-neutral options |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: New School Opens
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- WKYT: FCPS Transportation Changes
- Google Search: Fayette County Public Schools
- LEX18: FCPS Restroom Design Controversy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- Kentucky Lantern: Restroom Design Controversy
- Google News: Lexington Kentucky Middle Schools
- Fox56: FCPS Rezoning Addresses
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
