Education

WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN

The First Saturday at the Botanical Garden event series at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden runs for three months in the fall and three months in the spring — diving into a number of topics that children learn about by checking out books on the content and exploring the topic through a first-hand experience activity or science experiment. Topics have included learning about natural ways to wash wax off of apples before consumption, the benefits of recycling and reusing products, how to make a plastic bag into clothing, and creating a worm habitat.

KIWANIS OUTDOOR MUSICAL PLAY PARK

Created on the library’s grounds as the Kiwanis Club’s 75th anniversary project, the Musical Play Park opened in 2019, featuring drums, chimes and other outdoor instruments for children to enjoy while families can keep a close eye on them in the enclosed space while reading a favorite book. The park is free for anyone in the community to enjoy when the library is opened or closed.

DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

2020 Frederica Street • dcplibrary.org

Established as a Carnegie Free Public Library at Frederica and Ninth streets in 1912, the Daviess County Public Library moved into its current home in 2007, offering more than 197,000 books, 46,000 eBooks and public access to more than 30 online databases — providing residents the opportunity to pursue lifelong learning; to meet their recreational reading interests; to find, evaluate and use information in a variety of formats; to get answers to their questions; and to better understand their personal and community heritage through books, films, music, family history, local history and Kentucky history. The library has become one of the busiest facilities in Kentucky, with more than 478,000 visits and 74,756 registered users in 2020. It has also become one of the state’s fastest growing libraries in terms of attendance, growing over 30% in the past few years. Music programming has been a popular feature at the library since about 2014, drawing core fan bases regularly to see musicians such as touring artists Chris Staples and Taylor Dooley Burden.

Kids Crafts And Programs

The library offers regularly-scheduled programming for infants and young children, including two “fun-filled” story times designed with both children and caregivers in mind, while enhancing early literacy skills, from 10-10:30 a.m. each Monday and Thursday. A “Wee Read,” for children age 2 and under, is a hands-on experience through interactive storytelling, crafts, finger plays and music. The “Circle Time Storytime: Mini Hands, Many Ideas,” for children between the ages of 3 to 5, allows kids to develop a variety of social skills, such as interacting with others, sharing, taking turns and expressing their feelings. This program can also better prepare children for their first years in a school setting — learning the importance of paying attention, listening and following instructions, and good decision making.

take a look INSIDE

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

122 E 2nd Street • owensboromuseum.org

Founded in 1966, the museum is in downtown Owensboro, allowing visitors of all ages to have both an educational and entertaining experience through hands-on exploration and interaction with five exhibits — the Owensboro Rotary PlayZeum, SpeedZeum, ENCOUNTER, the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center and The Coal Mine Gallery. The museum makes a point to offer a wide range of educational programming to school groups and other organizations. Other focuses include diversity programming, leadership institutes, student forums and other topics based around the world of history and science. Attendees can also apply for a museum membership, which includes reciprocal free or reduced admission to over 300 museums in the United States through the nonprofit Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) program, free admission to the museum for one year, a 10% discount in the museum store and invites to special events throughout the year.

WENDELL H. FORD CENTER

In honor of Wendell Hampton Ford, former U.S. senator and the 53rd governor of Kentucky, the museum’s second floor is home to a governmental gallery, created to engage people throughout all history and stages within the governmental process. While visitors have the opportunity to learn about Ford’s career in local, state and national government, they can also have a chance to grasp and understand how government works, operates and how it has transformed into what it is today.

SPEEDZEUM

The exhibit that is ready to rev the engine, the SpeedZeum is a motorsports gallery that originally featured hometown NASCAR drivers Darrell and Michael Waltrip, David and Jeff Green and Jeremy Mayfield. The gallery not only highlights the people that were at the forefront of the racing scene, but also between 300 to 400 folks that were just as important on the sidelines. The Speedzeum offers a unique “Buy A Brick Campaign,” where people can honor their favorite person in the racing field by sponsoring a brick that will become a permanent fixture in the exhibit for $100. All proceeds will go to building more potential exhibits in the SpeedZeum.

KIDS AND EDUCATION

A special emphasis is placed on the education of children, with three galleries designated for that purpose. The Michael E. Horn Family Foundation’s ArtLand, a fully-equipped art studio, provides free art instruction during regular museum hours. The John and Riley Hess Kaleidoscope Kave, an interactive video gallery, combines learning experiences in both the visual and performing arts, and the Waymond Morris Young at Art Gallery is a special space designated for exhibitions of art by children, and it also serves as a showcase for regional school projects. The free Owensboro Grain Company Art Camps, scheduled in spring, summer and fall, provide unique educational opportunities to the region’s youth.

IN THE COMMUNITY

The museum’s services extend beyond its walls, as it shares its resources in many community partnerships. A collaborative project with the City of Owensboro has established a Municipal Art Collection, creating a showcase of public art that has placed more than 20 works of monumental outdoor sculpture throughout the city and enhances Owensboro’s reputation as a cultural tourism destination.

OWENSBORO MUSEUM OF FINE ART

901 Frederica Street • omfa.us

The rapid growth and development of the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Kentucky’s second largest fine art museum, has enhanced Owensboro’s quality of life by its contributions to education, economic development and cultural tourism. The museum’s historically important complex features three wings, two of which are on the National Register of Historic Sites, and Ryan Sculpture Park, which complements the facility and features monumental bronzes by major American artists. A permanent collection, showcased in 14 galleries, contains more than 4,000 objects of world art dating from the 15th century to the present. It is a visual mecca of American, European and Asian art. Among its treasures of internationally important works are those by 20th c. master, Pablo Picasso (1881- 1973); and early American masters Martin Johnson Heade (1819-1904) and Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827). An important aspect of the permanent collection documents the cultural history of Kentucky from the early 1800s to the present, and a significant portion celebrates the internationally-recognized tradition of Appalachian Folk Art. Exhibitions change every three months, and more than 1,000 have been featured since the museum opened in 1977. Many of these exhibitions from major American museums and galleries have introduced some of the art world’s most distinguished artists, scholars, educators and critics to local audiences.

BRESCIA UNIVERSITY

Brescia University was founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph in 1925 as the Mount Saint Joseph Junior College for Women. It first was established at Maple Mount, but after the end of World War II, coeducational extension courses in Owensboro were developed. The second Brescia campus was established in downtown Owensboro, and the two campuses consolidated on the present site of BU in 1950. In 1998 the school received university status, and in 2018 the full-time enrollment made university history by reaching 231 students. The Moore Center was renovated in 2017, it opened a new residence hall on St. Ann St. in 2019, and in 2020, the school opened its C.E. Field Center for Professional Studies, thus completing its $3 million capital campaign. Father Larry Hostetter, Brescia president, said the fundamental Christian value referenced in the Gospel of John 15:12, in which Jesus says “Love one another as I have loved you,” is nurtured and strengthened in Brescia students.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Brescia University recruits students internationally and currently has 42 international students enrolled, representing 19 countries — Brazil, Canada, Spain, Italy, England, Vietnam, Germany, Mexico, France, Venezuela, Lithuania, Serbia, the Dominican Republic, Scotland, Trinidad & Tobago, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Belarus and the Bahamas.

BLACK STUDENT UNION

Kentucky Wesleyan College’s Black Student Union typically has about 15 to 20 members each year. Students meet regularly to discuss diversity issues and challenges that people of color may face. They also discuss ways in which obstacles can be overcome and organize plans of action. The BSU also partners with area organizations, like the Boys & Girls Club and Girls Inc., to discuss with children the importance of continuing education. Alfonzo Browning, an advisor for the BSU, said the program is important because African Americans are a minority on campus, and they need a space to express their ideas comfortably. BSU provides a safe space for them and others who are in support of them, he said. Kentucky Wesleyan College, a partnership with the United Methodist Church, is a liberal arts school that prepares students intellectually, spiritually and physically to achieve success in life. Current enrollment is approximately 750 students. The school believes in “The Wesleyan Way,” which is based on four principles: We do everything with honor; we support each other; we compete with integrity; and we love each other. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. The college was established in 1858 in Millersburg and moved to Owensboro in 1950. The school offers 29 majors and 13 pre-professional curriculums. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, with more than 88% of the faculty having a Ph.D or terminal degree.

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE

OWENSBORO COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

In 2018, Owensboro Community & Technical College was awarded a $523,171 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program, with an ultimate goal of increasing the number of females participating in manufacturing training programs and careers. The project’s director, Sheri Plain, said that women make up 44% of the number of technical students enrolled at OCTC. Since then, OCTC has been working to increase that number with its GO FEMALES program, which is a product of the grant and project. GO FEMALES, which stands for Greater Owensboro Facilitating Equitable Manufacturing and Leadership Educational Solutions, follows OCTC’s work-and-learn model, which allows female workers to receive training while also working in advanced manufacturing fields in an apprenticeship-style setting.

Western Kentucky University’s regional campus brings the university’s wide variety of academic programming, resources, noncredit programs and support to Owensboro. Regional offerings include paralegal studies, management, computer information technology, teacher education, engineering technology management, criminology and sociology programs. Perhaps one of the largest programs at Western Kentucky University in Owensboro is its Bachelor of Social Work program that has been offered for more than 10 years. Most students enrolled in the program take advantage of the two-plus-two partnership the school has with Owensboro Community & Technical College, in which students receive general education courses at OCTC and then transfer to take upper-level courses at WKU in Owensboro. This design allows for students to be in smaller classes, which ensures more attention from faculty, access to advising and other necessary resources.

WKU IN OWENSBORO

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE NURSING

The University of Louisville School of Nursing-Owensboro Bachelor of Science in Nursing program enrolled its first class in fall of 2010. To date, it has graduated almost 300 students, with 96 enrolled. Enrollment has been increasing each year, with a maximum of 35 students being enrolled each semester. The program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has consistently exceeded benchmarks for completion, employment and licensure rates. There will also be an accelerated second-degree BSN program launching in May 2022. That program will allow individuals who already have bachelor’s degrees in other fields to obtain their BSN in 15 months.

The Murray State University-Henderson campus offers a variety of courses and programs that are taught by MSU faculty. Programs are offered at various times, in-person and online, to help accommodate student needs. Degree options include business administration, computer information systems, elementary education, learning and behavior disorders, and more. There are also offerings for master’s degrees, including education administration, public administration and teacher leader. Its online degree programs are expansive and range from agriculture sciences to logistics to public and community health.

MURRAY STATE - HENDERSON

OWENSBORO INNOVATION ACADEMY

The Owensboro Innovation Academy opened its doors in August 2015, and along with that historical addition of a new high school came a shining spotlight on not just the area’s school systems, but also the city of Owensboro. The STEM-based high school includes students from both the Owensboro and Daviess County public school systems, as well as Hancock County Schools. A prominent feature of the school is its project-based learning for students. The OIA came out of an idea to make the city schools district one of innovation. In 2014, the school was accepted into the California-based New Tech Network, making it the first in the state to have such an affiliation. The New Tech Network is a nationwide consortium of more than 200 schools in more than 30 states.

iMIDDLE

As a result of the success of the high school model, the district opened the Owensboro Innovation Middle School in fall 2019 for students in the sixth through eighth grades. Nicknamed iMiddle, the school is at the south campus of Owensboro Middle School, and students have access to classes and activities at the adjoining traditional middle school.

OWENSBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Owensboro Public Schools system commemorated a milestone few other school districts in the commonwealth have had the pleasure of celebrating: a sesquicentennial. Almost 150 years ago, the city schools system was established by the Kentucky General Assembly, beginning what would become a long history of excellence in education. Of the 51 independent school systems in Kentucky, Owensboro’s is the largest and second-oldest. It has had 20 superintendents since its inception and has encompassed at least 30 schools in its history. It now operates 12 schools. Approximately half-a-million students have gone through the system in its 150-year history. There are approximately 5,000 students enrolled. The system is known for its strong academics, including arts programming that is modeled across the state. Two years in a row, the school system earned national recognition for its support of arts programming, specifically for its Every Art for Every Child program that ensures all students have a chance at arts education.

Daviess County Public Schools operates 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, two traditional high schools and one alternative high school. Approximately 11,700 students attend county schools in grades preschool through 12. Its mission is to prepare students to succeed for life by meeting individual needs of students, ensuring quality instruction and developing a learning community. The school system’s history dates to 1909, with schools located in Whitesville and Utica. In 1914, Daviess County High opened on the third floor of the federal court building, post office and custom house on the southeast corner of Third and Allen streets. The school system is embarking on major renovations to help carry it forward for years to come, including building a new Daviess County Middle School and the complete renovation of Apollo High School, both of which are slated to be complete within the next two years.

DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Catholic education in the Daviess County area dates to 1849, when the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth opened St. Francis Academy. The school was in a building that was formerly a hotel, at Third and Allen streets, where it operated for 40 years until increasing enrollment and requests from parents persuaded a new building to be constructed at Fifth and Allen streets. Owensboro Catholic High School opened in 1951, and in 1989 the Owensboro-Daviess County parochial schools were consolidated. Today, students from 15 sponsoring parishes as well as, Holy Name School in Henderson, Saint Pope John Paul II in Morganfield, and St. Bernard’s in Rockport, attend Owensboro Catholic Elementary K-3 Campus, Owensboro Catholic Elementary 4-6 Campus, Owensboro Catholic Middle School and Owensboro Catholic High School. The school’s mission statement shares in the mission of the Church to provide excellence in Catholic faith formation and academies that prepare students to become responsible individuals, as well as members of their family, church and community.

TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL

Trinity High School is a private, coeducational Roman Catholic high school in Whitesville. It is in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Owensboro and operates grades nine through 12. The mission of Trinity High School is to provide a spiritual environment, together with a comprehensive educational program, dedicated to faith formation in the Roman Catholic Church. The school aims to prepare and empower students to become lifelong learners who are responsible members of the Church, their families and the community. Trinity utilizes incredible staff members, athletic and extracurricular activities to provide an optimal environment for its 102 students to grow. Advanced courses, including some college-level courses from Brescia University, Western Kentucky University and Owensboro Community & Technical College, are available. Faith formation is an integral part of being a student at Trinity High School. Freshmen focus on faith, revelation and Church teaching on the Trinity, giving students a general knowledge of sacred scripture and tradition. Sophomores focus on Morality and Theology of the Body, growing in their understanding of Christian moral life. Juniors focus on the Church and the sacraments, and the senior class delves into sacred scripture and Church history. Trinity High School also provides ample opportunities for students to volunteer.

Heritage Christian School was established in 1984 after parents who attended Heritage Baptist Church decided to create a learning environment characterized by academic excellence, Christian character development and loving discipline. The school began with 12 kindergarten students and added a grade each year until it reached eighth grade. The current enrollment for preschool through eighth grade is about 200 students. The school operates as a ministry of the Baptist church, under the oversight of elders Keith Maddy, Mark Redfern, Keith Withrow and Thad Gunderson. The conviction that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” is at the foundation of the school’s curriculum. Every class begins each day with a devotional time, and students work toward scripture memory, character traits, a children’s catechism and a time of prayer, which all form the backbone of the devotional time. The Bible, and Bible characters, the 10 Commandments and themes from Proverbs, the Old Testament and the life of Christ are also practical applications in students’ lives.

ST. MARY OF THE WOODS SCHOOL

St. Mary of the Woods School seeks to inspire excellence in academic and social skills for students preschool through eighth grade while fostering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and preparing future leaders of the Church and community. The curriculum presents students with the same opportunities to succeed as found in local public school districts. Smaller class sizes allow for more one-on-one learning opportunities, and the faculty strives daily to meet students’ individual learning needs. Athletics feed into the sports programs at Trinity High School, and the school provides after-school and weekend experiences to enhance the core curriculum and faith development of students and families. At St. Mary of the Woods, students are free to pray, sing and talk about God. Daily prayer, learning prayers and weekly Mass encourage students to grow their friendship with Christ.

HERITAGE CHRISTAN ACADEMY

GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Grace Christian Academy opened in the fall of 2020 in response to God’s direction and the community’s need for a Christian high school. A successful first year allowed the school to enroll another class of freshmen and returning sophomores, as well as add new faculty, classes and sports options. Students have the opportunity to participate in artistic programs, such as band, choir and theater, and are offered elective courses, such as criminal justice and personal finance. Athletic activities allow students to develop leadership and teamwork skills. The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to glorify God by equipping students with a spiritually and academically solid Christian worldview. Partnering with Christian parents allows the school to provide a biblically-integrated education, encouraging students to embrace biblical truth, strive for academic excellence and exemplify Christ-like servanthood in homes, churches and the community.