[img_assist|nid=528|title=Kansas City Academy|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=150|height=92]Congratulations to Kansas City Academy (KCA), 7933 MainSt., for being selected by the WABA Property Committee for theSeptember Waldo's Best Award! This private school is a fully accredited, college-preparatory middle and high school (grades 6-12). Their mission, according to Principal Mary Statz, "is to provide a personalized learning community in the form of a quality education to all students so they can become active, responsible participants in a diverse world."
KCA has always been a school ahead of its time. It was founded in 1984 by a group of faculty, parents, and students with the closing of Loretto Academy. It is one of 160 schools in the country to provide an elite opportunity in Expeditionary Learning (EL), a highly successful experience-based education originating from Outward
Bound and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. KCA's educational program is uniquely designed to recognize, nurture, and challenge each student's personal and academic potential. Much of the academic work is done through learning expeditions. Character development and teamwork are embedded in school structures and practices.
Through the years, KCA has collaborated and partnered with many local organizations including volunteering at Hope Care Center, displaying art at Waldo Pizza, cleaning up the Trolley Trail, sharing space for community meetings, and supporting area families with fresh produce from their collaboration with KC Community Gardens.
The School employs 15 staff and faculty. The student population is approximately 75.
This past year, the KCA community worked to convert an unusable space that was causing drainage and damage to the building into what is now an outdoor classroom called "The Grove." The students were involved in the transformation process, learning first hand about designing the space with proper water drainage, a walking path,
constructing an outdoor seating area, and researching low maintenance landscaping materials. The plantings are all native to Kansas City.
Congratulations to Kansas City Academy for beautifying the community and for being one of Waldo's best! Take time to drive by and experience the beauty!