Please use our web site to contact staff directly.* Edythe J. Hayes Middle School, located in southeast Lexington, was established in August 2004.
Lexington middle school that is home to more than 870 amazing and diverse students who strive to create a school where everyone belongs.
*Due to SB 181, we don't respond to comments or DMs on this page. Our mission statement charges the faculty and staff with engaging "all learners in a safe and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and develops responsible, respectful leaders and
citizens." This statement goes beyond school climate - beyond high academic standards - and combines the two to create a developmentally responsive, socially equitable, and academically challenging environment for our students. Hayes continues to be one of the most technologically advanced middle schools in Kentucky. With 1:1 technology, every student has their own Chromebook for daily use. In addition, every classroom is equipped with an interactive flat panel computer and a projector. Hayes has become one of the largest middle schools in the state and earned a reputation for its caring, nurturing environment, its dedication to academic excellence, and mission to develop responsible, respectful leaders. Hayes’ student population is composed of approximately 1,080 students from high, middle and low- income neighborhoods ranging from suburban to rural communities. Currently 43% of our students qualify for free/reduced lunch. English is our school’s primary language, with a steady increase in our English Language Learners population. 23 different languages are now spoken in our school, which is the highest number in our school’s history. We also are the program school for the district's middle school deaf and hard of hearing students and staff. Based on the Spring 2025 MAP results for our district, our students had the lowest percentage of students scoring novice in reading, and the lowest percentage of students scoring novice in math. We had the highest percentage of students scoring proficient and distinguished in reading (71%) and the highest percentage of students scoring proficient and distinguished in math (71%). Our school is proud of the numerous academic, leadership, and extracurricular opportunities offered to our students. We have a wide range of academic programming, including our Accelerated Learning Program and Academy Preparation Program. We offer accelerated courses in language arts, math, science, social studies, and Spanish. These courses offer a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for Advanced Placement courses in high school. Our Academy Preparation Program offers courses aligned to specific high school specialized programs. Students select these courses, which assists them in finding their chosen pathways for high school. Each of these courses offer measurable outcomes for students, including industry certifications, high school credits, or performance portfolios. Our school is proud to offer six high school credit courses to our students. Hayes students also have a wide range of leadership opportunities to pursue. We offer a pre-teaching pathway for students interested in education as a possible career. We also offer Beta Club, KYA, KUNA, and student council as leadership opportunities for our students. Finally, we partner with several community agencies to offer support skills, social skills, and counseling services to our students. These include the Kentucky Center for Grieving Families and Children, Andrews Counseling, University of Kentucky Children's Hospital, My SisterKeeper, Panther Men of Quality, and It Takes a Village.
06/26/2026
Today Edythe J. Hayes was recognized in Washington DC as a National Schools to Watch school and we picked up some hardware. Mr. Sherrard and Mr.Hyde were able to celebrate one last time with Mrs. Kris Church before she leaves us for GME. We hold this trophy in honor of all Hayes staff, students and Parents! It’s a great day to be a Panther!!
Original story :
After a comprehensive review process on February 18, our school was recognized for the exceptional work happening every day inside our classrooms and throughout our Panther community. This prestigious national recognition honors schools that demonstrate:
Being named a National Schools to Watch school means Hayes will now serve as a model for middle schools across the country.
This honor belongs to our incredible students who rise to high expectations, our dedicated staff who pour into kids daily, and our supportive families who partner with us in this work. Together, we’ve built a culture grounded in strong relationships, vibrant learning, and continuous improvement.
We are so proud to be Panthers. Thank you for being part of what makes Hayes exceptional! 🐾✨
06/24/2026
06/12/2026
📣 Future Panthers, It’s Time to Get Ready for Middle School! 🐾💙
Calling all incoming 6th graders! Join us for Hayes 101: 6th Grade Transition Camp and kickstart your middle school journey at Edythe J. Hayes Middle School!
During this fun, interactive two-day camp, students will:
✅ Meet new friends
✅ Learn their way around EJH
✅ Get to know teachers and staff
✅ Practice middle school routines and expectations
✅ Build confidence before the first day of school
✅ Discover what it means to be a proud EJH Panther 🐾
📅 July 29 & 30
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Edythe J. Hayes Middle School
Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a little bit of both, Hayes 101 is the perfect way to start the school year strong!
📲 Register today using the QR code on the flyer or click HERE
Questions? Contact [email protected]
💙🖤🤍🐾
06/08/2026
🐾 Welcome to the Panther Family, Amy Hayden! 🐾
We are excited to welcome Amy Hayden as the newest Assistant Principal at Edythe J. Hayes Middle School!
Amy joins Hayes from Frederick Douglass High School, where she currently serves as Dean of Students. With experience as a teacher, department chair, and school leader, she brings a strong commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and positive school culture.
Amy’s passion for supporting students, building strong relationships, and empowering educators makes her a wonderful addition to our Panther family.
Please join us in giving Amy a warm Hayes welcome! 💙🖤
06/05/2026
This year, our art club students worked together to create a Chuck Close inspired portrait of Edythe J Hayes. We can't wait to find a special place to hang this in our school!
8th grade had a great night celebrating together. We try to remind them to enjoy all the moments they get to share together as this year winds down. 8th grade Promotion Ceremony is Wednesday at 10:30. Crazy.
05/28/2026
📣 Future Panthers, It’s Time to Get Ready for Middle School! 🐾💙
Calling all incoming 6th graders! Join us for Hayes 101: 6th Grade Transition Camp and kickstart your middle school journey at Edythe J. Hayes Middle School!
During this fun, interactive two-day camp, students will:
✅ Meet new friends
✅ Learn their way around EJH
✅ Get to know teachers and staff
✅ Practice middle school routines and expectations
✅ Build confidence before the first day of school
✅ Discover what it means to be a proud EJH Panther 🐾
📅 July 29 & 30
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Edythe J. Hayes Middle School
Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a little bit of both, Hayes 101 is the perfect way to start the school year strong!
8th grade trip to Kings Island. It rained ALL DAY but everyone had a blast. We came, we rode, we conquered. Huge shout out to Coach Alexis Morgan for planning a tremendous trip. Thank you to all our parents who chaperoned and made this day possible.
05/22/2026
Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Lexington?
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