Bowling green independent schools

BY LESLIE MCCOY

Bowling Green Independent Schools are preparing students to be excellent citizens, employees, and future leaders, both locally and globally. BGISD has existed since the 1880s and has long been known for excellence in academic programs and success in athletics. The district serves approximately 4,450 students in preschool through 12th grade in eight schools: T. C. Cherry Elementary, Dishman McGinnis Elementary, Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary, Potter Gray Elementary, and W. R. McNeill Elementary, Bowling Green Junior High, Bowling Green High School, and the Bowling Green Learning Center.

Approximately 66% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, 53.8% are minority students, and 20% of students are multilingual, with over 55 languages spoken in our schools; Spanish and Swahili as the two most common after English.

All schools have been built or undergone major renovations in the last 20 years. The largest school, Bowling Green High School, has been completely rebuilt in phases over the last few years and will be fully operational in August 2023. The overall project included adding natural light to all classrooms, increasing energy efficiency, improving traffic flow around the school campus, and most importantly, providing the best possible learning environment for students and for future generations.

Features of the school include:

• The Joseph Tinius LEAD Academy for 9th-g rade students

• The Medical Arts Academy

• Culinary Arts Lab

• Band, Orchestra, & Choir Rehearsal Spaces

• Performing Arts Center

• 11-Lane Natatorium

• Stadium with turf field & track

The Bowling Green Independent School District is located in the downtown area and is approximately seven square miles. Although the City of Bowling Green is larger than the school district boundaries, BGISD does accept non-resident students, and families who do not reside within the district, as tuition students. Annual tuition for 2023-24 will be $500.

More information about the application process can be found on the district website.

Bowling Green Independent Schools strive each day to exemplify the motto, “Excellence Is Worth The Effort.” For more infor mation about the school district, visit www.bgreen. kyschools.us, follow on social media, or call 270-746-2200.