Pathways to Success

By Katie Ray ’24

Established in 2020 under the visionary leadership of Principal Christina Crase ’04, alongside a team of three dedicated teachers serving 80 students, the Floyd County School of Innovation (FCSI) in Floyd County, Kentucky, has quickly emerged as a beacon of innovative education. Committed to providing cutting-edge educational programs and approaches, FCSI offers high school students a transformative learning experience rooted in project-based learning, personalized instruction and technology integration.

At FCSI, students are encouraged to explore their passions and interests through various pathways, including engineering, computer science, health sciences, law and public safety, heavy equipment, agriculture and media arts. Holding two master’s degrees, Crase, who also teaches math courses, emphasizes the practical application of mathematics in these pathways, empowering students to understand the real-world relevance of their studies.

“Having access to these pathways in my building allows me the opportunity daily to not only answer this question but to show the students the application behind the ‘why’ we need to know math,” said Crase. “Students are working in a pathway connected to their future goals. Nothing makes me happier than to see students love learning.”

Today, the school boasts a dedicated team of nine teachers and offers an extensive array of 17 pathways to its more than 200 students. Drawing upon her experiences at the University of Pikeville, Crase has prioritized personalized instruction and mentorship at FCSI, believing every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.

“At FCSI, students are not just learning, they’re discovering their passions and charting their own paths to success,” said Crase. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see students engaged and enthusiastic about their education.”

Crase’s journey to educational leadership is ingrained in her lifelong passion for mathematics. Inspired by her parents, Crase discovered her calling to become a math teacher at a young age. Her experiences at UPIKE further fueled her passion for education and equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of her students.

“Observing my parents employ mathematical principles in their creative endeavors while I was young really inspired me,” said Crase. “I remember sitting beside my mom as she tackled her college math assignments. She had me solving equations alongside her, igniting my passion for math. As the years passed, I found myself tutoring and helping my peers. It was something I loved to do and that’s when I decided becoming a math teacher was the path I wanted to take.”

Crase stays connected with the university, collaborating with the education department on mock interviews for teaching programs and serving as a guest speaker for the ACE (Academic and Cultural Enrichment) leadership program.

My time as a Bear has helped mold me into the educator I am today. I am always excited to hear about the new innovative ideas and opportunities the university brings to life each year. I didn’t truly realize how much of an impact UPIKE had on me until I took a moment to reflect on my time there. Coming from a close-knit family, receiving a state-of-the-art education right here in Eastern Kentucky was a blessing.