A new school year brings new updates and improvements  for some south KC private schools

By Christina McDonough Hunt

The new school year is upon us and many of the South KC private schools have exciting updates for the new school year.  Here is what we know.

The Barstow School

The Barstow School began classes on August 19.  This year they are excited to have their fall sports (boys soccer, volleyball, girls tennis, cross country, and girls golf) and live theatre productions return after being cancelled last fall due to COVID.  Their upcoming performances include You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, October 21-23, Dear Edwina, January 20-22, The Importance of Being Earnest, March 3-5, and The Magic Tree House Dinosaurs Before Dark, April 21-22.  Barstow is also happy to announce that former Head of Campus Dr. Tom Niermann has been promoted to Vice President and Head of School.  

In addition to programs being reinstated, facility improvements were made such as creating a gathering space in the Middle School Commons for grades 6-8, a new outdoor learning space for the upper school students, a green room for theatre productions, a Student Success Center, and newly remodeled restrooms in the upper school.

IDEA Space KC (Powered by The Barstow School)

Construction begins September 1 on the physical IDEA Space KC building at 11200 Stateline Rd., Leawood, and they expect to be fully open in the Spring/Summer of 2022.  They will host an invitation-only groundbreaking event on September 16. According to Director of Communications & Marketing Lisa Tulp, “The IDEA Space will serve Barstow students as well as thousands of students from public, private, charter and home schools in an 8-mile radius from the location through after-school programs and summer programs and partnerships like the one with Center Schools”.  

 Calvary Lutheran School

 Calvary’s classes began August 17.  Over the summer, the school was able to update their outdated technology and technology infrastructure.  New interactive flat panel screens were installed in each classroom, as well as receiving new Chromebooks for the students and laptops for teachers.  Their new technology infrastructure improved their bandwidth and connectivity.  They are also excited to have received a 3D printer from a donor.  Their VERB summer program hit max capacity with 90 campers and they look to expand that program for next year.  

 Kansas City Academy

 KCA classes began August 16. This year, KCA is launching three new programs that will be added to current classes that focus on comprehensive sex education, social-emotional learning and diversity, equity and inclusion. Six and seventh graders will participate in an SEL (social-emotional learning ) program called Project Wayfinder which focuses on identity exploration and building a sense of belonging. Middle and High School students will participate in developmentally-appropriate workshops related to comprehensive sex education.  KCA is also starting a community-wide initiative to increase diversity, ensure equitable practices and build an increasingly inclusive community. This initiative will involve student and parent advisors, curriculum development, professional education for faculty and staff, and strategic planning. 

 Rockhurst High School

 Classes began August 16.  Improvements to the Rockhurst campus are underway.  These improvements include the resurfacing of the track and current construction of an outdoor classroom and lab.  The Rockhurst campus saw neary 2,000 K-8 grade participants in their courses and camps over the summer.