LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is showing families what Kentucky's largest school district has to offer on Saturday.
The district's Showcase of Schools begins Saturday at 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. inside the Norton Sports and Learning Center.
"It'll be thousands of people, packed, and parents trying to make sure that they make the right decisions for their kids in public schools," Ashley Forrest said of the event, which usually sees about 10,000 people come through.
Forrest is the explore coach at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, helping students through the career prep explore program.
"There's lots of research out there that talks about how kids are actually stressed at the middle school level about careers," she said. "They want to start thinking about their futures."
The showcase is a chance to learn about middle school explore pathways and the high school academies the paths lead to, preparing kids ready for specialized careers.
Maps will be provided showing the over 150 schools attending, plus district services like nutrition, who will take questions.
"And we'll have students there, student ambassadors who come. They will help you get through the process," Carolyn Callahan, a district spokesperson, said.
With school applications opening on Nov. 11, change is right around the corner.
"It really is for everyone. So if you're entering Kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade next year, this is a great opportunity," Callahan said.
"It's really exciting for them to see, 'wow schools are starting to think about me, not only as a learner, but as a successful adult, and where I'm headed.' So they get really pumped about that," Forrest said.
It's that enthusiasm from students that brings her back to the table each year.
Find a full list of buses the district is offering to and from the event at this link here.
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