KC Area Schools & Suburbs

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by anninkc

For what it's worth, I moved here from overseas two weeks ago and my child has completed a week (!) in a Park Hill elementary school. The teacher is very friendly and fairly communicative. The school counselor took us on a tour of the school after we'd submitted our enrolment papers, which allowed my daughter and I to ask about a billion questions about how everything works. The principal actually came and introduced herself to us at this time, and also reminded admin staff to get us to fill out extra paperwork that I wouldn't have thought of myself, not having experienced any school systems here before. The kids seem friendly enough and the teacher has ensured someone is including my child each day at break times etc. The homework seems very reasonable (ie not too much at the 4th grade level). The middle and high schools look fine - we're in the zone for the southern of the two options. There seems to be a gifted option at the elementary level, not sure about the other levels. I'd love to be able to add more info, but we've only been in the schools a week. I am a non-working teacher myself and have very bright kids, so schools with friendly, reasonably well-behaved kids and approachable staff is what I usually look for. The academic levels exceed the state exam results posted online, if that matters.

The area is lovely to live in - way more space and slower pace than Johnson County. Plus the deal you get on home prices is so much better here. I lived in Johnson County for several years before my kids were school age. Wouldn't bother going back now! Drive time to the CBD is about 15 mins - this is living close to I29. If you're further west in the Park Hill district obviously it would take longer. Even better deals on homes the further west you go. Plus there's no end to the shops available - there's everything you could think of, unless you desperately must access a Costco!!

Good luck! Hope this has been some use!

Congrats on the move. Please please please keep in mind that both the KS and MO forum are full of bitter folks with axes to grind over state border war stuff so take it all with a grain of salt and be sure to verify anything you read. Hope it a great move for you.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

Kansas is following the approach of many other southern states under Brownback, that is the reality of the situation. So the forward looking indicators are not as good, especially economically. Many southern states are noted for having: low taxes, low services, lower wages, fewer services, and a generally lower quality of life. A healthy mixture is needed, like the moderate model from 10-20 years ago.

MO is more of a southern state than KS imo....just start with the number of white power hate groups in the state and go from there.

Throw in the vast racial education disparity and it's practically whistling dixie.