Our Affiliated Project: West Whitesburg Elementary School in Whitesburg, Kentucky

facts about West Whitesburg Elementary School:

  • Grades served: Preschool – fifth grade
  • Average enrollment: 460 students
  • Facility description: Originally constructed in the late 1970’s, the facility was renovated during the summer of 2006. West Whitesburg Middle School shares the Elementary school’s cafeteria.
  • FRYSC: Our sponsorship program at West Whitesburg Elementary School operates through the Family Resource Youth Services Center (FRYSC). “Working to strengthen families,” the FRYSC is an integral part of the school’s outreach to both its students and their families.
  • Percentage of students who qualify for the Federal Free/Reduced-Price Meal program: 75%
  • Number of faculty employed: The school employs 42 certified and 24 classified teachers – some hold advanced degrees.
  • Special Education: Special education is available for special needs, gifted, speech challenged, and talented students.

Located in the heart of Kentucky’s Eastern Coal Region, Letcher County holds the unfortunate distinction of having the second-largest unemployment rate in Kentucky. Coal from this region once fueled factories, powered locomotives, and heated millions of homes. However, the coal industry, which once employed the majority of the area’s workforce, has sharply declined due to automation and the increased use of other fuels.

Lack of employment opportunities has resulted in widespread poverty, along with associated socioeconomic issues such as drug abuse, obesity, and domestic issues. For this reason, West Whitesburg Elementary School serves as a beacon of hope for this community, providing its students with a well-rounded education – the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and helping children rise above the difficult circumstances from which they come.