Fayette County, KY, September 9, 2025
News Summary
A new middle school, Mary E. Britton, has opened in Fayette County, marking over two decades since the last new school was built. The facility, located on Polo Club Boulevard, spans 185,000 square feet with an investment exceeding $82 million. It aims to serve 550 students initially, with plans to expand to 1,200. Featuring innovative facilities like a medical science lab and a chicken coop for agriscience, the school also emphasizes community involvement and civic responsibility among students, preparing them for future success.
Lexington, KY – A new chapter in Fayette County’s educational landscape has begun with the opening of the Mary E. Britton Middle School. This marks the first new middle school in Fayette County Public Schools in over two decades. Located on Polo Club Boulevard in eastern Lexington, the facility spans 185,000 square feet and comes with a total investment of over $82 million.
The new school will serve 550 students in grades 6-8 in its inaugural fall, with the capacity to expand to accommodate up to 1,200 students as needed. With this development, Fayette County aims to provide quality education in a modern setting, emphasizing innovative learning and community involvement.
Among the unique features of Mary E. Britton Middle School is a medically-focused science lab sponsored by Baptist Health, along with an agriscience chicken coop. These facilities are part of a programming initiative designed to prepare students for the workforce, emphasizing health and medical sciences, civic engagement, and other essential skills prior to their high school years.
Principal Dave Hoskins has articulated a vision for the school grounded in creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels recognized and valued. The design of the school focuses on fostering community and collaboration, with spaces intended for gathering and interaction.
Mary E. Britton Middle School is located on the site of the former Hamburg Farms, thoughtfully designed to include expansive areas for community events. The school’s facilities showcase state-of-the-art labs for agricultural science, digital arts, and collaborative spaces for student and staff teamwork, enhancing the overall educational experience.
The school intends to instill a sense of civic responsibility among students while ensuring that each pupil graduates with at least one high school credit. Additionally, the ethos of community engagement is further highlighted through partnerships with local organizations. For instance, Baptist Health is committed to sponsoring a class named Introduction to Health Professions, contributing $25,000 in funding for the classroom lab’s naming rights. Likewise, Benchmark Mortgage will provide free financial planning classes for students’ families and faculty members.
Creating an engaging and flexible learning environment is central to the school’s design. The cafeteria serves a dual purpose, functioning as an auditorium complete with a stage. Furthermore, student-centered features such as unconventional furniture and flexible seating help to accommodate students with sensory issues, making it a versatile space that responds to various learning needs.
The media center at the school includes a broadcast studio and has been designed to be a collaborative space, moving beyond the traditional library model. Administrative offices are strategically located among the classrooms, fostering interaction between staff and students.
Mary E. Britton Middle School employs a dedicated team of 60 state-certified educators and 25 classified staff members, all committed to furthering the school’s mission. The mascot, the Bears, is represented throughout the building, creating a sense of unity and pride among the students and faculty.
This new campus signifies a prominent commitment to providing modern educational facilities aimed at enhancing the academic, athletic, and artistic development of students in Fayette County.
Key Features of Mary E. Britton Middle School
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Polo Club Boulevard, Lexington |
| Size | 185,000 square feet |
| Total Cost | $82 million |
| Initial Capacity | 550 students |
| Maximum Capacity | 1,200 students |
| Unique Facilities | Medical sciences lab, agriscience chicken coop |
| Staffing | 60 certified teachers, 25 classified staff |
| Community Engagement | Partnerships with local organizations |
| Spaces for Collaboration | Media center, staff collaboration areas |
| Cafeteria/Auditorium | Dual function with a stage |
FAQ
What grades will Mary E. Britton Middle School serve?
The school will initially serve students in grades 6 through 8.
What features does the new school offer?
The school features a medical sciences lab, agriscience chicken coop, digital arts facilities, and flexible learning spaces.
Who is the principal of the new school?
The principal of Mary E. Britton Middle School is Dave Hoskins.
How many students can the school eventually accommodate?
The building is designed to ultimately accommodate up to 1,200 students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fayette County Schools Open with New Policies and Challenges
Plans Unveiled for New Fayette County School Projects
Fayette County Schools to Discuss District Facility Plan
Lexington’s Restroom Design Sparks Privacy Concerns
Frankfort Middle School Restroom Design Sparks Debate Amid Legislative Tensions
Additional Resources
- KRIS 6 News
- Kentucky.com
- KIII TV
- WIS TV
- KRIS 6 News
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Lexington Middle School
- Google Scholar: Mary E. Britton Middle School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Mary E. Britton Middle School
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.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.
