West End School Opens Its Doors to Girls This Fall

By Alisha Proffitt Photos By Kathryn Harrington 

Something special is happening this fall at West End School. The respected tuition-free institution in Louisville’s Chickasaw neighborhood is opening a brand-new building, and for the first time in its 20-year history, that building will also be home to girls. 

The school’s newly completed expansion will welcome girls into Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, first, and second grades beginning August 7. As Head of School, Dr. Greg Ross put it, “This marks the beginning of the WES students’ academic journey and serves to formally usher them into a new chapter in their lives.” 

Located at 3628 Virginia Ave., the new building took years of planning and effort. The school’s leadership sees it as not only a physical expansion but as a step towards more inclusivity and long-term growth. 

“We are honored to have them join our West End School community,” said Ross. 

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for August 14 on the school grounds, where about 300 community members and supporters are expected to gather. “This ribbon cutting is intentionally designed for our new West End School girls to feel welcome here and for them to feel like they are a part of something big,” Ross added. 

The new Girls’ Program is set to expand by adding a grade each year until reaching eighth grade. At full capacity, West End School will serve 300 students, split evenly between girls and boys. Each grade will have approximately 15 students, and as always, space is limited. “The application process is rigorous, including an academic assessment, a review of school history (if applicable), and demonstrated financial need.” 

Parents have welcomed the expansion with open arms. 

“For years, we have seen great things for our sons, and now we can also share this greatness with our daughters,” said Terrika Wadlington, whose daughter, Ava, will be an incoming kindergartener this fall. Ava’s older brothers, Avery and Avern, are already enrolled. 

“To attend the West End Girls’ Program is both an exciting opportunity and a meaningful step forward in our educational journey, not just for her future, but the future,” Wadlington said. 

“Having my daughter attend the West End girls’ program means everything to me,” she continued. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the vital investment of molding these boys into successful young men – but that’s only a piece of the win.” 

Wadlington praised the school’s holistic approach to student development. “This is accomplished by providing smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and a values-driven culture that helps nurture each student and is essential to excel as well,” she said. 

“Being part of the program for girls from the ground up, where the school community is shaped with intention, heart, and vision, represents more than just a new building or curriculum,” Wadlington added. “It symbolizes trust, faith, and a deep commitment. This is bigger than just an investment in a future where innovation and care go hand-in-hand. It means I trust the leadership, believe in the mission, and see this as a place where my daughter can grow into a confident, curious, and compassionate young woman.” 

The building itself is ready. “The state-of-the-art new building located on the school’s campus features eight classrooms that incorporate best practices in educational design,” said Ross. Built on the site of the school’s former athletic field, a new field is already under way across 36th Street.

Dr. Ross emphasized the significance of the space and the opportunity it represents. “Our hope is that our new facility will welcome these girls into an educational system that has a proven track record as an academic institution that allows young people the opportunity to unlock their futures through the miracle of education.” 

To support the success of the new Girls’ Program, West End School established a Girls’ Program Advisory Board in 2024. “While we have successfully educated young men, we value the insight, experience, and knowledge of dynamic female leaders in our community,” said Ross. 

The school’s board chair emeritus and co-founder, Paul Perconti, couldn’t be more excited. “We have seen West End School have a major impact in the lives of many young men here in Louisville,” he said. “To be able to provide the same opportunity for our female community is beyond exciting.” 

“We are empowering the trajectory of many students in Louisville. Excellence lives here,” Perconti said. “The effort behind this expansion is a testament to the will and determination of this school, our community, and our donors.” 

For the past two decades, West End School has served students from low-income households by offering a tuition-free, private school education and a structured, nurturing environment. “More than 99 percent of the school’s alumni have gone on to graduate high school, with over 70 percent of graduates attending private schools on full scholarships.” 

The August 14 ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, State Sen. Gerald Neal, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, Marshall Farrer (EVP, Chief Strategic Growth Officer at Brown-Forman Corp.), and Paul Perconti. 

“This is bigger than just a building,” said Wadlington. And for the families preparing to walk through those doors, it marks the beginning of a future of opportunities where their daughters can grow, lead, and thrive. 

For more information and to donate to West End School, visit: www.westendschool.org