Academics

Yellow Jacket Academics

At Mount Vernon City Schools, our mission is to provide—in cooperation with the larger community—a quality education for all students by upholding high standards of excellence in curriculum, staff, facilities, achievement, and conduct. We graduate individuals who are empowered to be self-motivated, lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

We are proud of our students’ success at every stage—whether they are learning their colors or earning college credit before graduation.

Preschool

The Knox County Educational Service Center (Knox ESC) operates a preschool program for Mount Vernon City Schools at the New Hope Early Education Center on Upper Gilchrist Road. Mount Vernon families are welcome to apply.

The preschool program features:

• Low student-to-teacher ratios
• Support for both general education students and students with special needs
• Highly qualified teachers who address each child’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development

Instruction is grounded in hands-on, meaningful learning experiences that honor each child’s unique personality and needs.

Elementary Schools

Mount Vernon City Schools operates five elementary schools throughout Mount Vernon and one in Gambier. While each building has its own unique culture, all elementary schools follow a district-aligned curriculum that ensures a high-quality, consistent educational experience.

Elementary students benefit from:

• A challenging and engaging academic foundation
• Emphasis on Physical Education, Art, Music, Guidance, Library, Technology, and Recess
• Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs

Our elementary schools provide a safe, respectful, and engaging environment that supports high levels of student learning and growth.

Mount Vernon Middle School

Mount Vernon Middle School provides a strong academic program that emphasizes respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, and safety.

In addition to core instruction in:

• Mathematics
• Language Arts and Reading
• Science
• Social Studies

Students participate in exploratory courses and activities such as:

• Fine Arts
• Technology and Industrial Technology
• Family and Consumer Science
• Physical Education and extracurricular opportunities

Our dedicated staff understands the unique needs of middle-level learners and works to make the middle school years a positive, supportive, and engaging experience.

Mount Vernon High School

Mount Vernon High School is a comprehensive high school offering a robust curriculum for all students. MVHS consistently scores above state and national averages on the ACT.

Students benefit from:

• College- and career-ready coursework
• Opportunities to earn college credit
• Instruction that contextualizes learning to individual student goals

MVHS also offers a Digital Academy located at 300 Newark Road, designed to support students who may struggle in a traditional school setting by removing barriers and expanding access to success.

Yellow Jacket graduates leave MVHS prepared to be Respectful, Intentional, Supportive, and Engaged in all aspects of their lives.