
Our Legacy: Past Projects That Shaped the Future
For nearly 40 years, the Bardstown Foundation for Excellence in Public Education has been the financial catalyst behind transformative programs that continue to shape Bardstown City Schools. Our role is to initiate and fund these large-scale projects, ensuring they have the resources to launch and thrive. Each initiative is designed with the understanding that Bardstown City Schools will continue to operate and sustain the program beyond our initial investment.

🎓 Early Childhood Program
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Launched: 1985
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First statewide early childhood program for 4-year-olds
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Expanded to include 3-year-olds with financial assistance
Investing in early learning has been one of our most impactful contributions, ensuring that Bardstown’s youngest learners get the strong start they deserve.
🎻 Strings Program
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Launched: 2005
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Introduced stringed instrument instruction during the school day
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Expanded to middle and high school orchestras
This program opened the door for students to explore music in a way never before offered in Bardstown City Schools, enriching their academic and creative experiences.


🔬 STEAM Academy
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Launched: 2016
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$40,000 annual investment for 4 years
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Immersive, one-day-a-week program for students in grades 4-7
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STEAM instructor provides hands-on learning for preschool – 2nd grade
The STEAM Academy introduced students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a project-based learning environment, setting the foundation for future innovators and problem-solvers.