The Story of Longbranch Elementary School

Longbranch Elementary which is nestled in the heart of Union in Boone County, Kentucky is a place where connection, rigor, leadership, and community come together to create something truly special. Whether you arrive by winding pastures on Camp Ernst Road or through the welcoming neighborhoods of Union, Florence, or Burlington, the moment you step on campus, one thing is clear—“Something just feels good here.”

Serving over 970 students in grades K-5 and supported by a dedicated team of more than 115 staff members, Longbranch is more than just a school—it’s a thriving community. Our mission is to prepare and inspire all students to reach their potential through meaningful connections and rigorous learning opportunities. Our vision lives in the work: to empower all learners to achieve their greatest potential, lead with a growth mindset, and make a lasting impact on the world around them.

This commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Longbranch Elementary is proud to be a National Blue Ribbon School and a four-time Leader in Me Lighthouse School, recognized in 2018, 2021, 2023 and again in 2025. As a Lighthouse School, we model best practices in leadership, culture, and academics through Franklin Covey’s Leader in Me framework, which is deeply embedded in our daily culture. So much so, we call it our operating system. Our students learn and live the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and they lead the way in their classrooms, their community, and their own learning journeys.

Longbranch sits across the parking lot from Randall K. Cooper High School, a unique partnership that creates meaningful traditions—like pep rallies and senior graduation walks—that inspire our students to see their future selves. As the Boone County community grows rapidly, so does our commitment to innovation, equity, and continuous improvement.

Our school community embraces a comprehensive approach to education. Through a robust Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), all students receive instruction tailored to their academic and social-emotional needs. WIN (What I Need) time ensures that every child gets what they need—whether it's enrichment or additional support—based on real-time assessment data. Our co-teaching model allows general and special education staff to work side-by-side, ensuring inclusivity and access to grade-level content for all.

We offer a well-rounded education that extends beyond core academics. Our unified arts program—featuring music, art, PE, technology, humanitites, deeper learning, and library—provides students opportunities to explore their passions and build 21st-century skills. Students develop digital leadership notebooks, learn about global cultures, and showcase their artwork in online galleries. Club Days, monthly Monday Morning Meetings, and Habit 8 projects allow students to lead, serve, and shine in meaningful ways.

Leadership is not just taught—it is lived. From daily classroom jobs, schoolwide leadership roles to serving on the Student Lighthouse Team, Longbranch students are empowered to find their voice and make a difference. They organize service projects, lead schoolwide events, and set Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) that foster personal and academic growth.

At the heart of our work is connection. Through daily zones check-ins, community circles, SEL instruction grounded in the CASEL framework, and a dedicated team of counselors and support staff, we prioritize the whole child. Partnerships with organizations like Go Pantry and Helping Hearts NKY help us ensure that every student and family feels safe, supported, and seen.

At Longbranch Elementary, we don’t just prepare students for the next grade—we prepare them for life. With a strong sense of belonging, a passion for learning, and a foundation in leadership, our students leave ready to lead themselves and others with courage, empathy, and purpose.