Covington is one of the largest independent school districts in the state of Kentucky, serving approximately 3,800 students. Our district consists of an early childhood center, five elementary schools serving kindergarten through 5th grade, a middle school serving grades 6 - 8, a high school serving grades 9–12 (includes a vocational school, and an alternative school), and an adult high school serving students ages 16 and above.
We are the most diverse school district in Northern Kentucky, with students from an array of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
We engage families, business leaders and community members to assist as students make their way through Covington Schools. We offer every student a roadmap to success for college or careers as individualized instruction and learning are integral to students reaching their destination.
Covington has proud traditions in academics and athletics. We are the only district in Northern Kentucky that offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, where students can complete university-level work while still in high school. We are also home of the 2009 state boys basketball champions.
The students served by our system are racially, economically, and educationally diverse. Our student population includes Caucasian, African American, Hispanic and Asian.
We welcome parents, community members and business leaders to help us reach our goals, and to join us as we guide our students to Dream, Achieve and Succeed.
History
Covington Independent Public Schools is quite unique. When students enter Holmes High School they become part of a tradition that dates to 1853 when this great institution was founded as the first public high school in Kentucky. Until then, free or public education stopped at eighth grade. The Covington school district traces its beginnings to 1825 when a group of residents felt that all children who wanted to get an education should be able to get one.
Curriculum
Covington offers opportunities for all students to learn and excel. We are the only district in Northern Kentucky that offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, where students can complete university-level work while still in high school. With our partnership with local colleges, students can also earn college credit while still in high school. At our middle school, we offer Springboard, a pre-AP curriculum that helps prepare students for college success.
In addition to IB and AP courses, Covington has gifted and talented programs at every level.
Our main goal is to have all graduating students equipped with the skills to go on to postsecondary education or to start a career. Through Holmes 180, students can take a series of courses related to careers, such as creative and performing arts, marketing, law enforcement, in addition to traditional technical fields such as carpentry, welding and electricity.
Kindergarten readiness is a priority in Covington schools. To prepare students, we operate the James E. Biggs Early Childhood Education Center. The Board of Education financially supports the preschool program as well as all-day kindergarten.
To ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education and become contributing members of society, we require service-learning projects in our schools. Though nearly 90 percent of our students receive free or reduced lunch, they participate in projects to help others in need. Our students are learning the lessons of giving. We are preparing our students for life.