In Kansas City, we have unique access to leaders who are fullheartedly involved in our mission to create an environment where children can thrive. Come and join this group of passionate leaders as we continue in our fight for educational equity in our community.
With more than 15 unique districts, Kansas City is a thriving community with endless opportunity. We sit in the heart of America, where leaders have access to several opportunities. From interactions with policy leaders, deep involvement in community service, and the opportunity to champion local change, leaders have the opportunity to grow in their professional and personal development.
49%
Third graders achieve reading proficiency
88%
Students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch
68.9%
Students graduate high school
78%
Students are considered a minority
“I think the educational landscape in Kansas City is improving, we have more work to do but by working together with organizations like Teach For America we are going to succeed.”
Kansas City at a Glance
Kansas City is home to America's best BBQ. For residents, BBQ is more than a menu item or a method of preparation—it's part of our history. Since the early 1900s, Kansas Citians have been working to perfect these recipes and sharing their wonderful creations with us along the way. Come and try some of our longtime local favorites such as Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Q and Gates Bar-B-Q!
photo by: Jen Gallardo via Flickr
City Market has been business since 1857 and continues to thrive today. From April to October the market is open seven days a week, giving visitors access to fresh produce from more than 140 different farmers, as well as specialty foods from America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. And if that's not enough to pique some interest, the market also has an extensive event calendar filled with concerts, food celebrations, and endless activities for kids. City Market is a definite must-do here in Kansas City.
photo by: Tim Samoff via Flickr
Uniquely placed side by side, Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium are the place to be for any sports fans. In the spring and summer baseballs fans from around the country come to watch the Kansas City Royals take on their competitors at the Kauffman Stadium. Just yards away in the fall football fans come to experience the Kansas City Chiefs play in the loudest stadium in the worlds. These stadiums are something that every sports fan needs to experience.
photo by: Justin Brockie via Flickr
On the first Friday of every month, thousands of Kansas City residents take to the streets of the Crossroads district where they are met with a wide variety of artwork, local business displays, and live entertainment. This is the city's most popular recurring event to date.
photo by: Brian Hillegas via Flickr
Looking for some fun festivals? Well Kansas City is the place to be, with festivals that feature hot dogs, handmade art, and everything in between, during every season of the year. Take a look at visitkc.com to find the perfect festival for you!
photo by: Daria via Flickr
Neighborhood Highlights
The Country Club Plaza is the home to KC's most renowned shopping site, with outposts for high-end brands such as Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and Kendra Scott, along with local shops filled with custom KC merchandise. West Plaza is also the home to several of KC's signature fountains, making for some of the most beautiful views in the city.
Kansas City's original entertainment district boasts a rich history as the oldest established community in Kansas City. Westport is a fusion of local eateries, fashionable boutiques, and hot night spots compounded with remnants of the neighborhood's historic past.
The Crossroads Art District truly lives up to its name. Located in the center of Kansas City, the art district is home to more than 140 different art galleries and studios as well as more than 60 different restaurant and 40 different shops. It is also home to KC's Power & Light District, giving this area an ample concert venue and nightlife.
Located on the southern border of the Missouri river, the River Market is home to Kansas City Market which is placed directly in the middle of the neighborhood. With river trails and an abundance of local shops and restaurants, there is never a dull moment in the River Market, but if you feel the need to get out and explore the city, the KC free street car run right up to the City Market giving everyone a safe and free ride with stops all the way down main street.
Home to two of Kansas City's most famous museums, which happen to be under the same roof, the Negro League Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum, 18th and Vine is the place to be for anyone who loves live street performances, cultural history, and of course, some of Kansas Cities famous BBQ. All are located just minutes away from the buzzing downtown life.
Kansas City’s East Side area is East of Troost Avenue, running from the northern boundary of the Missouri River south to about 95th Street. Historically, Troost served as the racial and socioeconomic boundary of Kansas City, with the East Side being home to primarily people of color. The East Side is comprised of a multitude of residential neighborhoods, from the historic mansions of the ethnically diverse Northeast, to the small bungalows that populate the tree-lined streets near Midtown, as well as Swope Park, which is home to both the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight Theater, several golf courses, and a nature center.
Living, dinning, shopping, and fun…this charming historical neighborhood has something to offer for everyone, complete with exuberant parades and colorful festivals.
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Kansas City Public Schools
The purpose of Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) is to provide a quality education that prepares all of our students, regardless of background or circumstances, for success in college, career, and life. We will produce scholars who are high-achieving critical thinkers, prepared to succeed in a constantly changing world and engaged in the improving of their communities. KCPS will accomplish this goal by providing teachers with the appropriate training, resources, and support they need to develop the whole child.
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University Academy
University Academy is a K-12 college preparatory public charter academy, consisting of three schools, located in Kansas City, Missouri. The school was founded by people who believe deeply that students living in Kansas City, Missouri, deserve the opportunity to have an excellent college preparatory education. The founders' vision was to establish a school that emphasizes college preparation, career development, community service, and leadership.
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Operation Breakthrough
Operation Breakthrough provides a safe, loving, and educational environment for children in poverty and empowers their families through advocacy, emergency aid, and education.
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The Ewing Marion Kauffman School
We are proud to partner with the Ewing Marion Kauffman School, a free, public charter school serving more than 1,000 students in 5th through 12th grades. Focused on student achievement and strong character, the school’s mission is summarized in three words: create college graduates. The school serves a student population of which 87 percent qualify for free and reduced lunch and 90 percent identify as students of color. Students are accepted by a lottery that prioritizes the six highest-need zip codes within the district.
In 2015, the Kauffman School was recognized as Missouri Charter School of the Year. In 2016 and 2017, the Kauffman School earned a perfect score on its statewide Annual Performance Rating, one of only 7 percent of districts statewide to do so. In 2017, Teach For America named the Kauffman School a School To Learn From. Kauffman School students are empowered by their identities and place in the community and develop a critical consciousness of the world around them. Kauffman School staff actively partner with families to be a school, not just in the community, but of the community.
Our Regional Partners
We value our partnerships with local schools, districts, universities, businesses, and other organizations. Our partners play a critical role in creating opportunities for children in our communities.
SchoolSMART Kansas City
The Lean Lab
The Literacy Lab
City Year
Kansas City Teacher Residency
Prep KC
Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City
United Way of Greater Kansas City