Superintendent
Welcome to North Kansas City Schools, a nationally accredited school district known for innovation and excellence. Thank you for taking a moment to learn about our school district.
North Kansas City Schools serves more than 18,500 students who live in twelve municipalities across southern Clay County, Missouri. We have four high schools, five middle schools and 21 elementary schools in addition to an early childhood center and several alternative education programs.
Through our vision, mission and goals, we strive to prepare students to be successful in future careers – many of which have not yet been invented. To do this well means engaging students in a learning climate that values innovation, respect, high expectations, shared decision making, diversity of thought and a global perspective.
One measure of excellence in education is accreditation. North Kansas City Schools is fully accredited by the state of Missouri and has earned the state’s prestigious “Distinction in Performance” award for high achievement several years. The district also is nationally accredited by the North Central Association’s Commission on Accreditation and was the first school system in Missouri to meet that organization’s rigorous districtwide quality standards.
Another measure of excellence is national recognition. The National School Boards Association honored North Kansas City Schools as a leader in educational technology twice in the past decade, and the U.S. Secretary of Education saluted the district as a national model for professional development.
Students in our schools consistently score at or above state and national averages on standardized exams, and many are recognized each year through national scholarship programs such as Gates Millennium, Horatio Alger and National Merit.
Although North Kansas City Schools is among the largest suburban districts in the state, it is known for its neighborhood schools and sense of community. Teachers, support staff and educational leaders partner with parents and communities to ensure success for learners of all ages and abilities.
Nearly 70 percent of teachers hold advanced degrees and on average teachers have more than a decade of certificated experience.
All four high schools are designated as “A+ Schools” by the state. This allows high school students who meet academic, attendance and citizenship criteria to receive two years of college tuition reimbursement from the State of Missouri. In addition, each high school offers the Distinguished Achievement Program which includes the Gold Medallion diploma option, dual credit classes and AP courses.
Students also can elect to participate in highly specialized studies through International Baccalaureate, Cerner Scholars, Information Technology Academy as well as the automotive technology and carpentry programs. Younger students benefit from full-day kindergarten, gifted education, 5th grade strings, middle school extended-day programs, a summer enrichment program, and elementary before- and after-school childcare. Adult learners keep their minds active and skills sharp through an array of Community Education programs.
Active advisory committees and a thriving Education Foundation engage the greater community to inspire future successes. Through these ongoing partnerships, North Kansas City Schools ensures its vision of achieving excellence, embracing change and forging new traditions.
I invite you to be informed on news and issues regarding North Kansas City Schools. Join us in the social networking arena on Facebook and Twitter. Read our latest news and announcements, listen to our podcasts or watch our videos.
If you have questions, please contact our Communications office at: communications@nkcschools.org or (816) 413-5049. They are eager to assist.
Sincerely,
Todd E. White, Ed.D.
Superintendent
