Elizabethtown, KY – In an effort to expedite construction and enhance the long-term learning environment, Hardin County Schools (HCS) has announced a significant change for the Central Hardin High School (CHHS) first-year class for the next school year. The incoming first-year students will attend the Bruin Academy, a satellite campus at the former Lincoln Trail Elementary School.
The decision was communicated to parents through an email and a letter sent home with eighth-grade students, confirming the relocation of the entire first-year class to the former Lincoln Trail Elementary School at 3154 Bardstown Road in Elizabethtown. The satellite campus will serve as an extension of Central Hardin High School, providing students with a unique learning environment during the ongoing construction phase.
Superintendent Teresa Morgan emphasized the commitment to making the transition a positive experience for the newest Central Hardin students. The move is expected to significantly accelerate the construction process despite the inconvenience of relocating to a different campus. “We understand that placing an entire class on an entirely different campus is not ideal, but it will be the best move for the long term,” Morgan stated.
As it will be known, Bruin Academy will offer a range of facilities, including a library, a gymnasium, and plenty of classroom space.
Phase I of construction at Central Hardin High School is set to be completed by the end of the current academic year, while Phase II will focus on remodeling the school’s two floors containing 16 classrooms.
The decision to use the former Lincoln Trail Elementary School was made after carefully considering factors such as convenience, site logistics, and travel. The school district sought feedback and addressed concerns from parents, ensuring that the building would be thoroughly cleaned and prepared for students, teachers, administrators, cafeteria staff, and technology by the start of the school year in August.
CHHS Principal Tim Isaacs assured parents and students that the move would not compromise educational opportunities. “We assure you that next year’s freshmen will receive all of the same opportunities as if they were still on the main Central Hardin campus,” Isaacs said. Transportation will be provided to and from CHHS accordingly, and students interested in attending the Early College and Career Center will have transportation provided for specific pathway classes.
While acknowledging that many questions remain to be answered, Superintendent Morgan emphasized that Bruin Academy students would receive the same quality education as all CHHS students. A dedicated form has been provided for parents and community members to ask questions and express concerns, accessible at https://bit.ly/bruinacademyquestions. The school district is committed to providing a road map that ensures opportunities and experiences leading to student success.