What Makes Our School Great

Southern is a school focused on transition readiness. The only priority at Southern is its students. We are student focused, knowing that the job of teaching only occurs if all students learn.

So why Southern? We have several opportunities for transition readiness within the school. For example, Business students apply for and run the ClassAct Federal Credit Union, and Information Technology (IT) students run the help desk and manage technology in the building. There are opportunities for real-life work in IT as well. Students can do the work and have an opportunity to take career-ready certification tests in Auto Repair, Auto Collision, and Machine Tool and Die. Some students take advantage of a very strong Army JROTC program.

Southern is focused on college readiness as well. We are a part of AdvanceKY which allows Southern to offer advanced placement courses. Dual credit courses are also offered. This gives students opportunities to receive college credit before they even attend college.

Students can expect to be given the opportunity to become successful in whatever area they choose. We are a National Board pilot school. Our teachers are being trained in National Board's Five Core Propositions. They can expect their teachers to use a collaborative effort to ensure all students learn 21st-century skills to help them become transition ready. Students also can expect their teachers and administrators to care while being firm, fair, and consistent.

Southern has a community feel and is quickly becoming known for it's innovation and concern for all students. Students and teachers alike are gaining recognition for their work on the state and national level.

History

On October 5, 1951, the Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) dedicated the new Southern High School. The new building was a monument to the planning, thinking, and efforts of members of the JCBE. The role of the new Southern High School was to better the communities of southern Jefferson County through better cultural possibilities, better recreation, and higher standards of living for all those who would be privileged to study within its walls. The original building had a total floor space of 169,370 square feet. Of the total, 143,600 square feet were in the main building and 25,770 square feet were in six steel shop buildings. The building was originally built to accommodate 1,700 students. The overall cost of the building, equipment, site improvements, etc. was $1.8 million. The second major addition came in 1975 by adding 115,000 square feet. At that time, the steel buildings were torn down and major modifications were made to the old building. In 1993, ten science rooms were completely renovated. In 1994, a 43,000-square-foot transportation education facility was dedicated. The cost of this renovation, including the building and equipment, was $3.75 million. From 1992 through 1995, four technology areas were integrated into the Southern curriculum as it changed from a comprehensive high school to a Tech Prep Academy. The four programs consisted of Business Support Services; Telecommunications; Machine, Tool and Die Technology; and Transportation Technology.

Highlights

• Advance Program and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

• School of Computerized Manufacturing and Machining

• School of Automotive Technology

• School of Automotive Collision Technology

• School of Business Marketing and Finance

• School of Hospitality and Tourism

• School of Allied Health

• School of Machine Tool and Die

• Freshman Academy

• Career Planning

• Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Program

• Many student clubs and activities

Academic Programs

• Class Act Federal Credit Union

• Advance Programs

• Advanced Placement Classes

• Extended School Services (ESS)

• Freshman Survival Skills

• Governor's Scholars