Jeremy Kidd
Principal

Dear South Laurel friends and visitors,

 Welcome to South Laurel High School! Here, we proudly follow the “Do Your Job” philosophy, which encourages every member of our school community to be “prepared,” “work hard,” “put the team first,” and “pay attention to the details.” This blue-collar approach drives us to create the best Cardinal Nation possible. I have challenged our school to apply this philosophy to our SLHS 3-point plan, focusing on fostering a Positive School Culture, adopting a Growth Mindset, and ensuring our students are Transition-Ready for success after high school.

 At South Laurel, we celebrate student success in all its forms, from the classroom to the field and beyond. Our students excel not only in academics but also in extracurriculars, with achievements across athletics, music, and academic competitions. Our school has been consistently recognized for excellence, earning high rankings in Kentucky and multiple accolades as one of America’s "Best High Schools" by US News and World Reports. We are also proud to be ranked as a “Green” school, the second highest ranking for state testing, by the Kentucky Department of Education and recognized as a "Gold" PBIS school for our positive behavior supports by the Kentucky Department of Education.

 Each graduating class exemplifies hard work and determination, with students achieving impressive honors in academics, athletics, and arts. Many of our students earn distinctions such as Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Honors, and they pursue diverse paths, including college, career, and military service. Our student-athletes consistently advance in district, regional, and state championships, while our performing arts groups achieve state-level recognition.

 Our staff members are equally dedicated, and several have been recognized at local, state, and national levels for their contributions to student learning and leadership. Their commitment drives our school's success and supports our mission to foster a strong, supportive, and achievement-focused environment.

 As a model school, we will continue to show up, put in the work, and “Do Our Job” in all aspects of our school community. Each day, we aim to get better and uphold our tradition of excellence. Go Cards!

 Sincerely, 

Dr. Jeremy A. Kidd

Mission

At South Laurel High School, our mission is clear: to embody the “Do Your Job” principle with the utmost dedication and excellence. We believe that every member of our school community plays a vital role in shaping the success of the Cardinal Nation. This commitment to excellence is founded on four core pillars: being "prepared," "working hard," "putting the team first," and "paying attention to the details."

Vision

We aim to position South Laurel High School among the top high schools in the state of Kentucky—excelling in every area that defines an outstanding school. We strive to be competitive not only in academics but also in the arts, athletics, and every other facet of student development. Our vision is for South Laurel to be a statewide beacon of excellence, recognized for our strong academic achievements, vibrant arts programs, athletic prowess, and, most importantly, our commitment to developing young men and women of exceptional character and citizenship.

Process

We have specifically challenged our community to embrace the “Do Your Job” philosophy as we focus on the SLHS 3-Point Plan, designed to elevate the experience and outcomes for students and staff. This plan encompasses three critical areas: fostering a Positive School Culture, cultivating a Growth Mindset, and ensuring Transition Readiness for all students as they prepare for success beyond high school.

 SLHS 3-Point Plan:

1. Positive School Culture

2. Growth Mindset

3. Transition Readiness

 Positive School Culture

A thriving school culture is the cornerstone of student success. It nurtures positive teacher-student relationships, removes obstacles to learning, fosters collaboration, and establishes clear, high expectations for all members of the school community. In the spirit of legendary coach Bill Belichick, we understand that success comes only when everyone "Does their Job." For South Laurel to reach its full potential, every individual—staff and students alike—must be committed to being prepared, working diligently, attending to the details, and putting the team first.

Growth Mindset

The concept of a Growth Mindset is not a mere program or trend—it is an intrinsic part of human potential. At its core, Growth Mindset asserts that with perseverance, effort, and a willingness to embrace challenges, students can improve and master any skill over time. Whether learning a new subject, sport, instrument, or language, the process demands practice, resilience, and a belief that failure is not the end but an opportunity for growth. We are committed to helping every student adopt the mindset that they can succeed, no matter the obstacles.

Transition Readiness

Ensuring that our students are ready for life after high school is central to our mission. Whether pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, joining the military, or exploring vocational opportunities, every South Laurel graduate will be prepared to take on the challenges of the world beyond high school. Transition readiness means equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need to succeed in college, in their careers, and as active, responsible citizens. Our ultimate goal is to produce graduates who are not only successful in their chosen paths but also embody the values of integrity, character, and citizenship that make them leaders in their communities.

Closing

As we move forward with this vision, we remain determined to make South Laurel High School one of the top high schools in Kentucky—competitive in every area and recognized for our commitment to excellence. Together, we will continue to build a strong, supportive, and challenging environment that prepares our students to achieve greatness and become the leaders of tomorrow.