Sayre School class earns $15.8 million in college scholarships

Sayre School in Lexington said its Class of 2026 will attend 31 colleges in 17 states and the United Kingdom backed by more than $15.8 million in four-year merit scholarships. The graduating class also posted strong test scores, academic honors and admissions results ahead of graduation. Why it matters: - Sayre School’s Class of 2026 is leaving with unusual financial backing for college, easing the cost of enrollment for many graduates. - The results also signal strong academic performance and broad admissions reach for a small Lexington private school. What happened: - Sayre School said its graduating seniors will enroll at 31 colleges and universities across 17 states and the United Kingdom. - The class received more than $15.8 million in college-sponsored, four-year merit scholarships. - Seventy-two percent of the class received at least one scholarship award. - The school is based in Lexington, Kentucky. The details: - Eighty-five percent of seniors completed one or more Advanced Placement examinations. - Forty-six percent of seniors scored 28 or above on the ACT. - Thirty-nine percent scored 30 or above on the ACT. - One student was named a National Merit Finalist. - Seven graduates will compete in intercollegiate athletics. - Many graduates earned Sayre’s Diplomas of Distinction, which recognize specialized study beyond the standard curriculum. - Three students earned the Distinction in Creative Arts. - Five students earned the Distinction in Engineering. - Four students earned the Distinction in Global Studies. - Two students earned the Distinction in Service. - Each Distinction program requires an independent project, internship or cross-cultural experience during senior year, along with coursework in the student’s focus area. - Forty-two members of the class earned an Honors Diploma. - The Honors Diploma requires 24 credits, including at least two AP courses, four years of math and at least 48 hours of community service. - Fourteen of those 42 students earned a High Honors Diploma. - The High Honors Diploma requires three AP courses, four years of the same world language, four years of science, four years of math and at least 58 hours of community service. - The class received acceptances from more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide. - Schools named in the release include Brown University, Columbia University, Boston University, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University, New York University, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, Wake Forest University and Washington and Lee University. Between the lines: - Sayre’s college counseling model is built around individualized guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all application strategy. - The school says its counselors work with families on college selection, essay development, scholarship opportunities and admissions planning. - Sayre’s average class size is 14 students, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 7-to-1. - Those small-school numbers appear designed to help counselors and teachers know students well enough to match them with colleges that fit their goals and personalities. What’s next: - The Class of 2026 will begin at its chosen colleges and universities this fall. - Sayre School will continue using its counseling program and academic distinctions as part of future college placement efforts. The bottom line: - Sayre’s Class of 2026 paired strong admissions outcomes with major merit aid, giving graduates a financially stronger start to college.