Good School Guide

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Are you or your child heading back to the classroom?
Here are some top-quality schools to consider:

Public Schools | Private Schools | Higher Education

Public Schools

Blue Springs school district students

Blue Valley school district students

Fort Osage school district

A student works with his teacher at a Gardner Edgerton USD 231 district school

Students in the Grandview C-4 school district

Olathe school district graduate

Students at Advent Lutheran Preschool

Archbishop O'Hara High School students

Northland Catholic School students

Oakhill Day School students

St. James Academy

St. Mary's High School students

St. Paul's Episcopal Day School students

Johnson County Community College

Blue Springs School District

The Blue Springs School District has a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and a superior commitment to students and staff. The district’s current enrollment stands at nearly 14,000 students and includes children from Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Independence, Lake Tapawingo and Lee’s Summit.

Student achievement is the top priority in the Blue Springs School District, and it is one of only eight districts in the state to receive a perfect score on the Annual Performance Report for seven consecutive years from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). In addition, the district has seven consecutive Distinction in Performance awards. These honors are based on the outstanding student achievement, high student attendance and superior programs offered in the Blue Springs School District. The district also has a highly qualified staff of professionals in the classroom, inspiring students to reach their potential. More than 70 percent of the district’s certified staff members hold advanced degrees, and student-to-teacher ratios are excellent.

During the school day, students are exposed to curriculum meeting both state and national standards; outside the classroom, students are offered a vast array of extracurricular activities. The district continues to strive to meet not only the needs of students today but to project the needs  of future students and plan for their success as well. For more information, call 816.224.1300 or visit www.bssd.net.

Blue Valley School District

Education Beyond Expectations is what the Blue Valley School District stands for. Providing all Blue Valley students with unprecedented academic success and unparalleled personal growth is at the heart of the Blue Valley School District’s mission.

Blue Valley has earned its reputation as a model school district because of its students’ high academic performance, quality staff, customer service, community support and special programs. Blue Valley serves more than 20,000 students (kindergarten-12th grade) in southeastern Johnson County. The students and staff are a reflection of Blue Valley’s successes: 14 teachers have received the Kansas Master Teacher Award, 33 high school seniors have been named 2008 National Merit finalists and the average ACT composite score for 2007 graduates of Blue Valley was 24.1 — the top score in the Kansas City metro area. For more information, call 913.239.4043 or visit www.bluevalleyk12.org. 

Fort Osage R-1 School District

Fort Osage R-1 School District is the central focus of a unique rural/suburban community rooted in history and tradition. The district provides a comprehensive education that prepares students to be confident in their abilities, enthusiastic about their possibilities and eager to engage life as contributing members of society.

Fort Osage offers something for every patron and every student from preschool through adulthood. The Career and Technical Center is an integral part of the district. Plus, the high school participates in the “A+” program that affords all students the opportunity to attend college.

For more information, call 816.650.7019 or visit www.fortosage.net, where you can watch “Discover the Fort,” a short video on the Fort Osage family.  

Gardner Edgerton USD 231 

Gardner Edgerton USD 231 serves the growing communities of Gardner and Edgerton, located in the extreme southwest corner of Johnson County, Kan. The district currently serves more than 4,000 students; the student population is expected to double over the next eight years.

The district includes six elementary schools (kindergarten-4th grade), two middle school campuses (5th-8th grades) and one high school campus. In fall 2008, the district will complete a wireless technology initiative, making laptop computers and associated wireless technology available to classroom teachers at all nine schools.

Gardner Edgerton USD 231 is home to the 2008 Kansas Outstanding Testing Coordinator of the Year, 2007 American Star of Teaching, 2006 Milken National Educator, 2005 Preserve America Kansas U.S. History Teacher of the Year, two middle school principals of the year, Area I Assistant Middle School Principal of the Year, Middle School Athletic Director of    the Year, Middle School Coach of the Year and School Psychologist of the Year, along with eight Horizon award-winning first-year teachers.

On the 2007 Kansas State Assessments, all Gardner Edgerton schools achieved State Standard of Excellence in reading and math, receiving 43 designations across all tested grade levels. In addition, three schools received the Governor’s Achievement Award, ranking them among the top 5 percent of schools in the state. For more information, call 913.856.2000 or visit www.usd231.com.

Grandview C-4 School District

Grandview C-4 School District, “Where Kids Come First: Each and Every One,” has a diverse student population that excels both in and out of the classroom. The district is fully accredited and maintains a learning environment for students that is challenging yet nurturing. The Grandview community has a small-town charm and big-city convenience and also cares about the students. Patrons consistently support school improvement bond issues for the district.

The district’s commitment to maximize the development of each and every student is greatly enhanced through the implementation of initiatives like Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), a critical support to improve teaching and learning; Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a pre-engineering and high-technology curriculum offered for middle and high school students; and the 2007-2010 District Technology Plan recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as exemplary.

Students and staff received numerous academic, performing arts and community service accolades for the 2007-08 school year, which include middle school students who participated in the Duke TIP program and were recognized for exceptional ACT scores. Also, GHS National Honor Society honored 46 Inductees, the GHS Blue and Gold Brigade Marching Band was selected to represent the state of Missouri in the July 4, 2008, National Independence Day Parade, and the Grandview Alternative School received the 2007 “Excellence in Service-Learning Award.”

Additionally, Kathryn Rabolt, Gateway to Technology instructor at Grandview Middle School, received the PLTW Building the Future Award, and Jonathan Going, school resource officer, received the 2007 KMBC Metro Chiefs Award of Valor. For more information, call 816.316.5000 or visit www.csd4.k12.mo.us.

Lawrence Virtual School

The Lawrence Virtual School (LVS) serves K-12 students across Kansas with rich, engaging content that turns minds on. Families get access to the exceptional,  patented K12 curriculum, as well as support from passionate, Kansas-licensed teachers and an involved school community. As the fastest-growing online school in the state, LVS is tuition-free. However, a $97 technology and instructional materials fee is required. 

K12 is the leading online curriculum provider for the K-12 market and is changing the lives of tens of thousands of students across the country this school year alone. Today, more than 97 percent of enrolled families are satisfied with the type of experience offered by K12 lessons because all children deserve to learn without barriers. Call 866.644.8320 or visit www.K12.com/ks for more information.

Olathe School District

Unique programs, excellent teaching and classrooms rich in technology are hallmarks of the Olathe district schools, serving students in Olathe, Lenexa and Overland Park. Its reputation for excellence makes it one of the fastest-growing districts in the state, with 17 Blue Ribbon awards among its 33 elementary, eight junior high and four high schools. A national reputation for staff training attracts highly qualified educators, including the 2007 Kansas Teacher of the Year and 15 Presidential award winners for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Students consistently earn test scores above state and national averages. For more information, visit www.olatheschools.com.

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Private Schools

Advent Lutheran Preschool

Providing a quality educational program within a loving, caring Christian atmosphere is Advent Lutheran Preschool’s mission. One of the important goals of its early childhood curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners while being respectful to others. Advent’s preschool has a reputation for having highly qualified teachers who encourage children to be creative and active explorers. Advent Lutheran provides an atmosphere for children to develop a positive attitude toward learning, allowing them to grow at their pace and in ways that are best for them. The activities planned for children, the way the school organizes the environment, incorporates materials and talks with children are all designed to accomplish the goals of the curriculum and give children a successful start in school. Advent Preschool offers classes for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds. Advent Lutheran Preschool is located at 151st and Quivira in Olathe, Kan. For more information, call 913.681.5829 or visit www.adventlutheranchurch.com.

Archbishop O’Hara High School

Opportunity is the key word for students attending Archbishop O’Hara High School at 9001 James A. Reed Road in Kansas City, Mo. The diocesan Catholic high school, which serves families in Kansas City, Raytown, Lee’s Summit, Grandview, Blue Springs, Independence and the western corridor of Jackson County, has an outstanding staff of experienced and dedicated teachers and administrators working to provide a comprehensive Lasallian-based education for nearly 500 students.

The student population allows for moderate class sizes and for individual attention from teachers. Students also have the opportunity for involvement in the school’s 32 activities and sports, including freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams. Students are encouraged through a fine arts requirement to develop their artistic talents. Dramatic and musical performances and art displays provide an outlet for artistic expression. Looking from the land of opportunity to those less fortunate, students follow the Lasallian philosophy of the Christian Brothers to provide service to the community and the foreign missions of the order.

Above all, students of varying ethnic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds strive for excellence in all realms of their school life — academics, athletics, arts and activities. For more information, call 816.763.4800 or visit www.oharahs.org.

Northland Catholic Schools

The Northland Catholic Schools, consisting of six elementary schools and one high school, work together to enrich the  programs of all the schools. Focusing on total personal development — intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical and social — Northland Catholic Schools accomplish this ambitious goal successfully by providing a disciplined atmosphere where values are taught on a daily basis. The education of the students goes beyond the walls of the classroom, as they are strongly encouraged to be service-oriented. For more information, call 816.453.3450.

Oakhill Day School

Oakhill Day School has been serving the Northland for more than 60 years. Oakhill, an independent, private school located in the heart of Gladstone, provides child-centered learning in a supportive, challenging and rewarding environment for children ages 2 through middle school. Students experience an innovative and integrated curriculum that challenges them to discover their gifts and provides numerous opportunities for personal growth and development.

As a school that provides a continually enhanced educational experience and the development of life skills, students at Oakhill Day School tested in the top 1 percent of the nation in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Oakhill is an independent, not-for-profit, private school accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and by the North Central Association (NCA). To schedule a tour, call 816.436.6228 or visit www.oakhilldayschool.org.

St. James Academy

St. James Academy is the newest Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan. Located in western Johnson County, the vibrant, spiritual atmosphere at St. James Academy is both refreshing and inviting. St. James Academy teaches that principles of faith should be inseparable from the lives people choose to lead.

St. James Academy’s unique architectural design utilizes space efficiently to create a variety of collaborative or independent   learning environments. Spaces can be flexibly arranged to accommodate “student communities.” The advantage of adaptability and integration enhances interactions, stimulates creativity, allows for open discussion and enables students to learn at their own pace. Laptop computers are provided to all students and staff. St. James Academy administrators realize the great importance of technology in all facets of learning and have demonstrated foresight and leadership by offering this tool.

Drama, art, music and athletics are also a vital part of the St. James Academy experience. These activities teach teamwork, camaraderie, leadership, and they help to further develop the students’ God-given talents. For more information about St. James Academy, call 913.254.4200 or visit www.sjakeepingfaith.org.

St. Mary’s High School
St. Mary’s High School is a co-educational, diocesan Catholic high school providing a college preparatory education in eastern Jackson County since 1853. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, St. Mary’s offers a strong, diversified athletic program, as well as a wide variety of activities promoting teamwork, self-esteem, camaraderie and service. St. Mary’s mission to educate and develop young men and women and provide them with the responsibility, education and values to become active participants and leaders in   the world’s community and church is evident in the proud tradition of generations of alumni, families and friends. To learn more about St. Mary’s, call 816.252.8733 or visit www.stmhs.org.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School
St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School, 4041 Main St., is an independent school for students 2 ½ years old through 8th grade. The Early Childhood Program is available to toddlers, preschoolers and pre-kindergartners (2 ½-5 years old). Sessions are half-day in length, but children can stay for Lunch Bunch (until 1 p.m.) and Afternoon Team (until 3:30 p.m.).

Kindergarten students through 8th graders are housed in a state-of-the-art school building that includes a computer   lab, gymnasium, foreign language lab and science lab, and an extensive library with mini computer. Additionally, St. Paul’s has four acres of playing fields. Sports include volleyball, soccer, tennis, lacrosse and basketball. Classes are maintained at a student/teacher ratio of no more than 11:1. Financial aid is available on a need basis. The addition of a new north wing will house an Early Childhood Center, multi- purpose room, lunchroom and kitchen. A January 2009 date is set for opening. For more information, call 816.931.8614 or visit www.speds.org.

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Higher Education

Johnson County Community College
With more than 34,000 students enrolled in credit and continuing education classes each semester, Johnson County Community College, located in Overland Park, Kan., is the state’s third-largest institution of higher education and the largest of its 19 community colleges. With a national reputation for quality education, teaching and programming, JCCC offers a full range of undergraduate credit courses that form the first two years of most college curricula. In addition, more than 50 one- and two-year career and certificate programs prepare students to enter the job market in high-employment fields. Likewise, JCCC’s continuing education program is the largest, most comprehensive in the Kansas City area. For more information on JCCC, call 913.469.3803 or visit www.jccc.edu.

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