New CCHS Academy Set To Revolutionize Local Ag Education

Christian County High School's specialized academy model aims to expand career and learning paths for 2,000 students.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Opening this August, the new Christian County High School will serve 2,000 students through a specialized academy model designed to expand career and learning paths. Among those is The Academy of Agriculture & Skilled Trades, which was highlighted during Tuesday's meeting of the Christian County Agribusiness Association. The academy model ensures students are well-positioned for comprehensive success both academically and personally.

Why it matters

The new academy model at Christian County High School represents an innovative approach to agricultural education, aiming to better prepare students for careers in the local ag industry. By offering specialized tracks and professional certifications, the school hopes to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders and skilled workers.

The details

The Academy of Agriculture & Skilled Trades is one of several specialized academies at the new Christian County High School. As of Tuesday, 375 students have enrolled in the agriculture and skilled trades academy, with 233 choosing agriculture-related pathways. The academy model was presented by Superintendent Chris Bentzel, Principal Ken Carver, and Model Principal Cindy Campbell, who has nearly 30 years of education experience. Campbell, who is also a farmer's wife, expressed excitement about bringing her expertise to the new school.

  • The new Christian County High School will open in August 2026.
  • On Tuesday, the Christian County Agribusiness Association heard a presentation about the new academy model.

The players

Chris Bentzel

Superintendent of Christian County Schools.

Ken Carver

Principal of the new Christian County High School.

Cindy Campbell

Head Principal of Hopkinsville High School and the new Model Principal for the Academy of Agriculture & Skilled Trades at Christian County High School.

Jerry Gilliam

Christian County Judge-Executive who warned that local agricultural businesses must actively engage with the academy initiative or risk losing students to other industries.

Christian County Agribusiness Association

The local organization that hosted the presentation about the new academy model.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As a farmer's wife, I have a vested interest in the academy.”

— Cindy Campbell, Model Principal, Academy of Agriculture & Skilled Trades (wkdzradio.com)

“If local agricultural businesses do not actively engage with this initiative, other sectors will recruit these students, ultimately dealing a blow to the local ag industry.”

— Jerry Gilliam, Christian County Judge-Executive (wkdzradio.com)

What’s next

The new Christian County High School and its specialized academies, including the Academy of Agriculture & Skilled Trades, will open in August 2026, welcoming 2,000 students.

The takeaway

The innovative academy model at Christian County High School represents a proactive approach to agricultural education, empowering students with specialized tracks, professional certifications, and strong ties to the local ag industry. By engaging with this initiative, the community can ensure a pipeline of skilled workers to support the region's agricultural economy.