Our Facility

Location

Welcome to J. Graham Brown School, located in the heart of downtown Louisville - the perfect location for an educational experience like no other!


Being situated in the heart of Louisville provides numerous advantages for our students. The bustling downtown area offers easy access to a diverse range of cultural and educational opportunities. Our students can visit world-class museums, galleries, sporting events, and performance venues, all just a short walk away from the school.


The downtown location also provides numerous internship and job opportunities, allowing our students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields. With many of Louisville's top employers located in the downtown area, our students are perfectly placed to explore and pursue their career aspirations.


In addition, our downtown location makes it easy for our students to connect with the community and engage in service projects that make a difference in people's lives. From volunteering at local shelters to participating in food drives and community events, our students are constantly making a positive impact in their community.


We are at the perfect location for students to enroll in face-to-face dual-credit opportunities at local universities. We are within walking distance of three college campuses (JCTC, Spalding University, Simmons College) and just a short TARC ride/drive to the University of Louisville.


So why wait? Come join us at J. Graham Brown School and experience the benefits of our wonderful downtown location. With endless opportunities and experiences waiting for you just outside our doors, there's no better place to learn, grow, and thrive!

Ursa Innovation Lab

Visit the Ursa Innovation Lab, J. Graham Brown School's Makerspace - a place where our students can "touch the stars" and explore their creativity like never before!

Named after the Ursa Major constellation "The Big Bear," our Makerspace offers a wide range of learning experiences that are truly endless. From 3D printing to Glowforge laser cutting, podcasting to Cricut vinyl design, sewing and embroidering to using power and hand tools, our students have access to a wealth of technology and equipment that will prepare them for real-world technology career pathways.

In addition, our class set of Vive Focus+ headsets allows our students to explore the exciting world of virtual reality, creating immersive experiences and developing skills that will serve them well in the future.

The Ursa Innovation Lab is not just a space, it's a community. Our Brown School students and staff work together to create and innovate, with a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. The lab is open to all members of the Brown School community, from our youngest learners to our high school students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and learn.

So whether you're interested in designing and printing your own creations, creating a podcast, or exploring the world of virtual reality, the Ursa Innovation Lab is the perfect place to do it all. Come and join us as we reach for the stars and prepare for a future of endless possibilities!

Edith M. Lovell Auditorium

Welcome to the newly renovated Edith M. Lovell Auditorium, the pride of J. Graham Brown School's performing arts community!


In the spring of 2022, our auditorium underwent a complete renovation to provide the perfect space for our many performing arts groups, including our Suzuki Strings, Orchestra, Chorus, Band, and Drama programs. Now, with a completely programmable LED theatrical lighting system and amazing digital sound equipment, our performers can take their talents to the next level, creating unforgettable experiences for their audiences.


Our auditorium can hold almost 800 patrons, with all new cushioned seating that includes wheelchair access. Beautiful white oak acoustical paneling, runway lighting, and new carpet add to the stunning ambiance of the space, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for all. In the spring of 2023 we installed a new projection screen and multimedia projector to enable us to integrate media into our events.


The Edith M. Lovell Auditorium is not just a space for performances - it's a place where our students can develop their skills, gain confidence, and express their creativity. With state-of-the-art equipment and a supportive community of teachers and fellow performers, our students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and showcase their talents on a professional stage.


So whether you're a member of our performing arts community, or simply someone who loves to experience the magic of live performance, the Edith M. Lovell Auditorium is the perfect place to do it all. Join us as we celebrate the power of the performing arts and create unforgettable memories together.

Peace Park

Our green space, the Martha Ellison International Peace Green, known as "Peace Park," is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city.

Thanks to a partnership among the Brown School PTSA, JCPS, and Metro Louisville, we were able to create this amazing space in the spring of 2017. Since then, we've added many exciting features to make it even more fun and inviting for students and visitors alike.

Our playground is a hit with kids of all ages, and the gaga ball pit, affectionately known as "Baby Thunderdome," is a must-try for anyone looking for a little friendly competition. Play a game of basketball at our newly-installed mini half-court. Take a stroll around our walking track, relax in the tree stump area, or enjoy a game at one of our new picnic tables. And if you're looking for even more fun, students can check out the outdoor play equipment in our shed.

But that's not all! We're always looking for ways to improve and enhance Peace Park. 

If you're a Brown School student Peace Park is the perfect destination for recess and outdoor learning activities. Come check it out today!

Library

Looking for a space that's bright, colorful, and inviting for all ages? Look no further than the J. Graham Brown School library!

Our library has undergone a complete transformation, creating a space that's perfect for elementary, middle, and high school students alike. With flexible, comfortable seating, you'll find plenty of space to collaborate with friends or work on your own. And if you need a quiet place to study, we've got you covered with designated areas for individual work.

Whether you're looking for a place to work on a group project or just need some quiet time to study, our library has everything you need. So come on in and see the transformation for yourself – we can't wait to welcome you!

Courtyard

Take a look at the beautiful courtyard at J. Graham Brown School, where students can enjoy a refreshing breath of fresh air while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Our middle and high school students can relax and recharge during lunchtime, surrounded by lush greenery and native plants. With several picnic tables and bench seating, there's plenty of room for students to spread out, relax and enjoy their meals in a peaceful outdoor setting.

But the courtyard isn't just a lunchtime oasis. Throughout the day, classes may be utilizing this amazing space for a range of learning activities or special events. From outdoor class meetings to team-building exercises, the courtyard is a versatile learning environment that is sure to inspire and motivate students.

Our courtyard is designed to promote wellness, rejuvenation, and inspiration, and we invite all students to make use of this beautiful outdoor space. So whether you're looking for a place to enjoy your lunch or to collaborate and learn with your peers, the courtyard at J. Graham Brown School is the perfect destination. Come and explore the many wonders of this beautiful space today!

Cubs Corner

Join us in Cubs Corner at J. Graham Brown School, where our youngest cubs in grades K-2 can learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

Our facility boasts six bright and inviting classrooms that provide ample space for self-directed learning and whole group activities. In addition, we have a dedicated speech/language classroom where our cubs can receive specialized support to help them communicate with confidence.

But that's not all! Our spacious common area is equipped with comfortable and flexible furniture, creating the perfect space for students to spread out and collaborate with their peers or their assigned mentor students from upper grades. Whether they're working on a group project or engaging in individual activities, our cubs will have all the resources they need to succeed.

And of course, Cubs Corner has its own boys and girls restroom facilities to ensure maximum convenience and safety for our young learners. Plus, our bottle filling station encourages healthy hydration habits and keeps our cubs refreshed and ready to learn.

At Cubs Corner, we prioritize the growth and development of our cubs in a supportive and engaging learning environment. Join us today and watch your little ones thrive!

Gymnasium

Welcome to our newly renovated school gymnasium, a state-of-the-art facility designed to take your sports experience to the next level! Our gymnasium has undergone a complete transformation, with brand new LED lights that provide bright and energy-efficient illumination for all sports activities. The newly installed bleachers provide ample seating for all your friends, family, and fans. They also accommodate wheel chair access.

Our gymnasium also boasts new basketball goals and a two net volleyball system, perfect for practicing your shots and spikes. With the latest equipment and technology, our student athletes can train like pros, taking their skills to the next level.

Safety is our top priority, which is why we've installed top-of-the-line wall padding to ensure a safe and injury-free playing experience.  And the newly renovated floor is the perfect playing surface, providing excellent traction and support for all our sports activities.

But that's not all! Our gymnasium also has a rich history, having been the site where renowned basketball coaches Scott Davenport and Wade Houston started their coaching careers. By coaching and competing in this very gym, they honed their skills and went on to become legendary coaches.

Fitness Center

Our fitness center is the ultimate destination for fitness enthusiasts! Equipped with the latest and greatest equipment, we have everything your student athlete needs to take their workout to the next level. Our fitness center is home to our middle and high school athletic programs. Whether your student is a seasoned athlete or just starting out, we have something for everyone. High school students may also enroll in an elective Advanced P.E. class focused on strength and conditioning. Not only will our fitness center provide your student with the equipment to build muscle, burn fat, and improve their overall fitness and athleticism, it's a great place to relieve stress and boost their mental wellbeing. Plus, working out in a supportive environment like ours can help them stay motivated and on track.

Cafeteria

Stay tuned for updated photos of our cafeteria! New furniture has been ordered and it is on the way!

Bears Atrium

The Bears Atrium, previously part of Ahrens, was assigned to the Brown School during the summer of 2021 as the facility was being renovated. The vision for this space is a flexible learning environment that would stimulate collaborative inquiry. The school is currently working with our PTSA to envision and select movable furniture that would facilitate Socratic seminars, partner work, circles, reading, and quiet reflection. We hope to add a container garden of shade loving plants as well.

Planning Your Visit

If you are planning a visit to our school, make sure you are prepared in advance for parking as we do not have a parking lot. Some options are:

If you are a scheduled school volunteer, we will validate your parking if you park in the YMCA Parking Garage. Please bring your parking ticket in with you and present it to our staff in the Welcome Center.

For general entrance to our school, please enter through the Welcome Center located at 546 S. 1st Street. You must present a valid ID.

If you have an appointment (counselors, mental health practitioner, family resource/youth services center) in the Student Support Services Center, you can enter via the pedway. This can be accessed by taking the stairs or elevator to the 3rd floor of the YMCA Parking Garage. Then, cross the pedway and ring the buzzer. Present a valid ID at the 2nd door on your left.

Please do not park in the private parking lots behind our school.