Brandeis Elementary

What this school is

Brandeis is one of JCPS's five districtwide elementary magnets. Its theme is Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, supported by project-based learning. It is not a resides school assigned by address.

JCPS selects students by random draw. Brandeis is not a test-in gifted school, a Traditional magnet, or the performing-arts magnet. Families should compare the theme, academic support, daily commute, and the current program spaces.

JCPS highlights an Innovation Lab, a Sensory Lab, maker and technology spaces, art, music, world language, and a STEAM Lab. Ask to see the spaces during a normal school day and confirm which programs are staffed this year.

How families get in

Address does not place a child at Brandeis. Families register with JCPS, then apply during the district magnet window. On-time applications are processed together after the deadline.

• Register first if the child is new to JCPS or entering kindergarten.
• Run School Finder so you know the child's resides elementary as a fallback.
• Apply to Brandeis during the magnet window; selection is by random draw, not an essay or test.
• Tour the Innovation Lab, Sensory Lab, regular classrooms, and arrival line before accepting.
• Watch the response deadline. A missed reply can release the seat.

Apply only if your family can manage transportation. JCPS does not provide standard magnet busing to Brandeis. Limited exceptions may apply for McKinney-Vento, foster, or ECE students with Special Needs Transportation in an IEP.

Who it tends to fit

A random draw means there is no application essay that improves the odds; timing and eligibility matter.

Students

The official 2025–26 JCPS count was 439 students in a building listed for 660. The live homepage and Choices Guide show other snapshots; this guide uses the data-book count first.

Gender: Confirm the current distribution with JCPS.

• Enrollment: 439
• Listed capacity: 660
• 2024–25 attendance: 94.7%
• PTA membership: 100

Academics

The current homepage banners match the 2024–25 accountability figures in the 2025–26 JCPS profile. Use the live school page and KDE report card when older figures differ.

• Reading: 32% proficient and 17% distinguished; 48% official combined P+D.
• Math: 26% proficient and 9% distinguished; 35% combined P+D.
• Science: 28% proficient and 6% distinguished; 33% combined P+D in the profile.
• Ask how students who need more reading or math support receive it alongside project-based STEAM work.

Awards and recognition

• Innovation Lab

  JCPS describes an interactive space for integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

• Sensory Lab

  The school lists a dedicated space for emotional exploration and social-emotional support.

• Project-Based Learning

  The official Choices material connects the STEAM model to real-world projects and hands-on work.

• Broad activities

  JCPS materials have named robotics, debate, drama, chess, athletics, chorus, gardening, STLP, Beta Club, and more; confirm current sponsors.

Program lists change when staffing changes. Ask which labs, specials, clubs, and before- or after-school programs are operating now.

Location and daily life

Brandeis is on W. Kentucky Street in west Louisville. Breakfast access begins before the 8:40 instructional start.

The school directs car riders and walkers through its arrival plan. Tour the Garland Avenue arrival pattern and test the commute at the time your family would use it.

Compare before you commit

• Coleridge-Taylor MontessoriA districtwide magnet centered on Montessori and multi-age learning.
• Lincoln Elementary Performing ArtsA districtwide elementary magnet centered on dance, drama, and music.
• J. Graham Brown SchoolA K–12 districtwide magnet centered on self-directed learning.

Questions to ask on a tour

1. 1.May I see the Innovation Lab and STEAM Lab during a regular class?
2. 2.Which specials are staffed every week this year?
3. 3.How does project-based learning change from first grade to fifth grade?
4. 4.Who uses the Sensory Lab, and how is time there scheduled?
5. 5.How many students are in the grade my child would enter?
6. 6.Does JCPS still withhold standard magnet transportation here, and which exceptions apply?
7. 7.How long does arrival take on Garland Avenue around 8:20 a.m.?
8. 8.Which clubs listed by JCPS have an active sponsor this semester?
9. 9.How do teachers support a child who needs more reading help than STEAM projects provide?

What to do next

1. 1.Run School Finder and record the child's resides elementary.
2. 2.Confirm the current application dates and transportation rules with JCPS.
3. 3.Test the morning commute and tour the school during regular classes.
4. 4.Ask which labs, specials, and activities are staffed for the coming year.