Education in KC
KC is leading the way.
From pre-K to a doctoral degree, KC’s got you covered. Kansas City boasts an innovative education ecosystem that includes multiple National Blue Ribbon School award-winners and workforce development programs that are replicated across the country.
By the Numbers
K-12 & More
Whether you’re seeking specialized programs or a specific learning environment, there’s a school district in KC that fits every need.
Standout Districts
Kansas
Blue Valley | Overland Park, Leawood, Stilwell
Shawnee Mission | Shawnee Mission, Prairie Village, Overland Park, Roeland Park
Olathe | Olathe, Lenexa
De Soto | De Soto, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe
Missouri
Park Hill | Parkville, Riverside, Weatherby Lake, Platte Woods, Lake Waukomis, Houston Lake, Northmoor and KCMO
Lee’s Summit R-7 | Lee’s Summit
Liberty | Liberty, Northeastern KC
North Kansas City | North Kansas City, Gladstone, Briarcliff, Claycomo, Avondale, Kansas City, MO (north of river)
Select Private and Charter Schools
Pembroke Hill (Private, Plaza area) | One of KC’s most well-known college-prep schools
Barstow School (Private, South KC) | Innovative academics with a global focus
Rockhurst High School, St. Teresa’s Academy, Notre Dame de Sion | Strong Catholic school options
Académie Lafayette (Charter) | French immersion charter with a diverse student body
Crossroads Academy (Charter, Downtown) | Project-based learning in a creative, urban setting
Select Special Needs Schools
Both Kansas And Missouri have earned the top ratings from the U.S. Department of Education for their special education services, making KC a region where students of all abilities can reach their full potential.
Sherwood Autism School | Serves students with autism spectrum disorder; offers special education, behavior support, community-based instruction and adult services.
Kansas School for the Deaf and Blind | Educates students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired.
Briarwood School | Serves students with diagnosed learning differences
KC’s Competitive Edge
Local workforce programs are transforming education — equipping students with in-demand skills and connecting them to future opportunities. These examples have achieved national recognition.
Real World Learning x Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Market-value experiences like internships, industry projects, and college credit.
Prep-KC
Career exploration and rigorous math preparation for students in KC’s urban core.
Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS)
Immersive, real-world projects with industry mentors for high school students.
Project Lead the Way
Hands-on STEM pathways preparing students for high-demand careers.
Higher Education
Kansas City offers a diverse higher education landscape, with nationally recognized public universities, private colleges, specialized institutions, and community and technical colleges.
Students can pursue a wide range of fields — from business and healthcare to the arts and engineering — through programs that fit traditional, adult and professional learners.
Public Universities
- Kansas State University
- K-State Olathe
- Northwest Missouri State University
- University of Kansas – Lawrence
- University of Kansas Medical Center
- University of Kansas – Edwards Campus
- University of Central Missouri
- University of Missouri – Columbia
- University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC)
Private Universities & Colleges
- Baker University
- Avila University
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Benedictine College
- Park University
- William Jewell College
- Rockhurst University
- The Kansas City Art Institute
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Community & Two-Year Colleges
- Johnson County Community College
- Kansas City Kansas Community College
- Metropolitan Community College
Childcare Resources
Search for Childcare
Find licensed providers and compare early learning options for Kansas and Missouri with this search tool.
Afterschool Programs
Explore enrichment and supervision options through Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA and school-based afterschool programs across the region.
Major Regional Childcare Chains
Access trusted early learning centers with widespread KC locations, including KinderCare, La Petite Academy and Primrose Schools.
Keep Exploring
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