A family preparing to move to Lexington almost gave up after seeing the private school tuition. However, after learning more about the scholarship system, they changed their minds. Understanding how common scholarships are and what the requirements are can be helpful.

Upon further investigation, they found that Sayre School offers not only merit-based scholarships but also income-based financial aid. Once they realized they could apply for both at the same time, the family began to reconsider their options.

Located in downtown Lexington, Sayre School is a private institution serving grades Pre-K through 12, with an enrollment of 610 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. The annual tuition for the highest grade is $29,600, and for the class of 2025, 85 percent received school-based scholarships totaling over $7.3 million. The college acceptance rate is 95 percent, with 59 percent attending colleges outside of Kentucky. Additionally, 85 percent of the graduating class has taken at least one Advanced Placement (AP) exam, indicating a rigorous academic environment. AP courses allow high school students to take college-level classes and earn college credit based on their exam scores, and many students aiming for prestigious universities choose this path. Besides AP, some schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. While Sayre School focuses on AP, nearby schools may offer IB, so comparing options based on your child's learning style is advisable. There are also opportunities to access facilities and libraries associated with the University of Kentucky near Sayre School, providing ample out-of-school learning resources.

While the tuition may seem burdensome at first glance, many families consider scholarships and financial aid together. It's best to directly contact the school's admissions office to inquire whether financial aid applications can be submitted simultaneously and how merit scholarships differ from income-based support.

So, what are housing prices like in Lexington? According to Zillow, the average home value in Lexington is $336,762, which is a 3.0 percent increase from the previous year. Data from Redfin shows that the median sale price in the Lexington-Fayette area was $350,000 for the three months leading up to June 2026, and recent data from 2,306 transactions over the last six months also indicates a median price around $350,000. The area near Sayre School tends to be slightly higher than this average, so it's wise to consider the distance to the school when viewing properties.

With both the University of Kentucky and Sayre School located close to downtown Lexington, this area features overlapping demand for school districts and rental properties near the university. Investors considering rental income should note that the preferences of these two demand groups may differ. Families that have consistently spent on private education in Korea may find that the tuition and scholarship structure at Sayre School is not as burdensome as they initially thought. However, the amount of scholarships can vary each year based on the number of applicants and the school's budget, so it's important to check the latest information directly.

Kentucky has a property tax rate that is lower than the national average, but state tax rates can change, so it's wise to verify the latest figures when comparing to the state you previously lived in. Admission requirements for school districts and private schools can also change annually, so it's best to confirm directly with the school and the county education office before applying.

Small private schools like Sayre School have set enrollment limits for each grade, so transferring in mid-year may require waiting for an opening. Some families choose to schedule admission consultations in advance to get on the waiting list. This process can vary by school, so it's advisable to contact the admissions office directly for confirmation.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult real estate and education professionals before making any contracts or applications.