Wheeler Elementary
A Fern Creek Zone resides elementary with a 7:30 a.m. start
Resides and choice school · Grades K–5 · Fern Creek Zone
- Grades: K–5
- How to get in: Address assignment or zone choice
- School day: 7:30 a.m.–2:10 p.m.
Wheeler Elementary is a Fern Creek Zone elementary with a 7:30 a.m. start, above listed capacity, and the programs and supports summarized below.
5700 Cynthia Drive, Louisville, KY 40291 · southeast Jefferson County
Official starting points
- Official Wheeler Elementary site(opens in a new tab)
- JCPS student assignment and apply(opens in a new tab)
- Current Choices Guide(opens in a new tab)
- JCPS School Finder(opens in a new tab)
- KDE School Report Card(opens in a new tab)
School Choice:(502) 485-6250schoolchoice@jefferson.kyschools.us
What this school is
Wheeler Elementary is at 5700 Cynthia Drive, Louisville, KY 40291 in southeast Jefferson County. It serves grades K–5, runs 7:30 a.m.–2:10 p.m., and is a Fern Creek Zone school.
The data book associates the campus with the Fern Creek High cluster; confirm the middle and high school in School Finder.
Who runs the building
Principal Joshua Meredith
Joshua Meredith was appointed principal in August 2026. Counselors Shasta Hoback and Andrew Mendoza, mental-health practitioner Katie Bilotta, and Family Resource Coordinator Kim Talibou were listed; the assistant-principal seat was open.
School details
- Address
- 5700 Cynthia Drive, Louisville, KY 40291
- Phone
- (502) 485-8349
- Official JCPS site
- jefferson.kyschools.us/o/wheeler(opens in a new tab)
- Title I: Yes
- Fern Creek Zone
- Listed capacity: 618
- 7:30 a.m. start
How families get in
If School Finder assigns Wheeler Elementary to the address, register rather than submitting a magnet application. Families seeking another eligible option use the School Choices section.
- Register first if the child is new to JCPS or entering kindergarten.
- Returning students who have not moved do not need to reapply to stay.
- Use School Finder to confirm the resides school, zone, and later school path.
- Complete Transportation Verification and confirm the current stop.
2027–28 application window
- November 2–December 18, 2026
- Confirm dates with JCPS before applying
Resides students use the regular elementary transportation system. Eligibility can change; confirm the route and the household plan for the 7:30 a.m. bell.
Who it tends to fit
A good match when
- Wheeler Elementary is your resides or preferred Fern Creek Zone school.
- The 7:30 a.m. start works for your household.
- You value the school’s published programs and support services.
Think twice when
- You need a different school-day schedule.
- You want a Traditional or districtwide theme magnet.
- You are choosing only from rankings without checking current grade-level space.
Students
The 2025–26 source count was 625 students against a listed capacity of 618, about 101% full. The Choices Guide used 621. Counts change during the year.
Diversity index
71%
Calculated from the 2025–26 published counts. It describes student-body mix, not school quality.
| Group | Students | Share |
|---|---|---|
| White | 259 | 41% |
| Black / African American | 180 | 29% |
| Hispanic / Latino | 85 | 14% |
| Other reported groups | 101 | 16% |
Gender: 318 female · 307 male
- Free or reduced-price lunch: 53.4%
- Multilingual learners: 153 students (24%)
- Slightly above listed capacity
Academics
Use the current Kentucky School Report Card first and confirm the testing year before comparing schools.
- 34% proficient and 21% distinguished; 55% combined P+D.
- 34% proficient and 21% distinguished; 55% combined P+D.
- Both displayed bands were well above JCPS elementary averages in the guide review.
Awards and recognition
Mastery and extension
The school sets aside time for students to build mastery and extend learning.
STEM and arts
Related arts include STEM, strings, band, and orchestra.
Student support
The school highlights its counseling, Family Resource Center, and PTA programs.
Location and daily life
The campus is in southeast Jefferson County. Test the commute during the actual 7:30 a.m. arrival window.
Enrollment was above listed building capacity in the source snapshot. Ask which grades currently have space.
Recent news, in context
Joshua Meredith was appointed principal in August 2026. Counselors Shasta Hoback and Andrew Mendoza, mental-health practitioner Katie Bilotta, and Family Resource Coordinator Kim Talibou were listed; the assistant-principal seat was open.
Compare before you commit
- Fern Creek Zone optionsBates, Fern Creek Elementary, Price, and Wilt are other Fern Creek Zone campuses.
- Carter Traditional ElementaryA separate address-eligible Traditional magnet path.
Questions to ask on a tour
- 1.Is Wheeler Elementary my assigned school or an option I need to apply for?
- 2.What does the grade-level reading block look like in minutes and group size?
- 3.What care is available around the 7:30 a.m.–2:10 p.m. schedule?
- 4.How do the listed programs operate in a typical week?
- 5.Which grades currently have space?
- 6.What transportation applies to my exact address?
- 7.What middle and high school does my address feed?
What to do next
- 1.Run School Finder and record the resides school, zone, middle school, and high school.
- 2.Register first if the child is new to JCPS or entering kindergarten.
- 3.Apply during the on-time window only when choosing another eligible option.
- 4.Tour during the 7:30 a.m. arrival and ask about current grade-level space.
- 5.Complete Transportation Verification and confirm the route.