Henry Clay High Shifting to Academy Model

The School-Based Decision Making Council at Henry Clay High School has approved the school’s transition to an academy model. With this move, Henry Clay will be the fourth in Fayette County Public Schools to join the Academies of Lexington, along with Bryan Station, Frederick Douglass, and Tates Creek high schools. 

“This decision is the culmination of a journey that began in January with our instructional leadership team,” said Principal Tony Blackman. “Our goal was simple: to explore a structure that provides every student at Henry Clay with a more personalized, career-ready, and academically rigorous experience.” 

Henry Clay’s Freshman Academy will launch this August, followed by transition to a full academy model in the 2027-28 school year. (The new building opens in fall 2028.)

This model organizes a school into career-focused academies or pathways. These communities connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, often through partnerships with local businesses and organizations. By focusing on students’ interests and future goals, Ford NGL Small Learning Communities help prepare them for success in college, careers, and life -- fostering both academic achievement and the development of essential skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. 

More about Academies of Lexington

Henry Clay leaders spent the past several months making sure every voice was heard, gathering community input, and hosting direct talks with Blackman. “The feedback I’ve received from parents and staff has been overwhelmingly supportive. The questions and insights have been vital in shaping this path forward,” he said. “While we are already a ‘good’ school, this model is the vehicle that will take us to ‘great.’”