Founders:
Tysie McDowell-Ray- 15 yrs
experience as a teacher, educational consultant, and principal (
tysie@crossroadsacademykc.org )
Dean Johnson- 15 yrs exp. as a teacher, principal, charter school
leader, and international humanitarian relief worker
(
dean@crossroadsacademykc.org)
Opening:
Fall 2012 for grades K-6,
will eventually serve grades K-8
Mission Statement:
Crossroads Academy of Kansas City prepares students to excel in high
school by providing an academically rigorous
K-8 education.
Vision Statement:
To be the premier urban school serving Kansas City's youth and a
destination for other educators seeking inspiration and best practices.
Graduates of Crossroads Academy will be scholarly, culturally literate and
service oriented individuals who will pursue their dreams relentlessly and have
a positive impact on their family, their community and the world.
Location:
Will be located in the Greater Downtown Area. A location will be finalized by late spring.
Extended School Year and Day:
Students will attend school 197days/year, with a typical day lasting 8
hours. Graduates who attend Crossroads Academy from K-8 will have over 3 years
of additional education compared to students attending a school with a
traditional calendar and schedule.
(The 197 day calendar will begin in year 2. In year 1, we’ll have 177 days)
Highly qualified teachers:
All teaching candidates must pass a four stage interview process
(written interview, group interview, administrative interview, lesson
demonstration)
Teacher/Student Ratio:
1:10 ratio for grades K-1,
1:20 ratio for grades 2-8
Services:
Hot lunches, Before/After care, transportation to those living within
the Greater Downtown Area and over 1 mile away from the school, English as a
Second Language, Special Education
Uniforms:
Will be required. Style
and vendor will be finalized by May.
Enrollment:
Student enrollment
applications available at the Launch Party and on the website. Applications will be accepted beginning
March 1. If there are more
applicants than spaces available in a particular grade level, then a lottery
will take place on March 31. As an independent charter school, Crossroads Academy is accessible to
any family living within the KCMO School District. Among these families, those
living or working within the Greater Downtown Area (State Line to Woodland, the
Missouri River to Linwood) receive priority in our admissions lottery. All
parents who are personally committed to high-expectations and want their child
to learn in an academically rigorous environment are encouraged to apply!
Three Pillars:
High
Expectations: Our teachers inspire students to actively seek knowledge and
understanding, think independently, reason critically and embrace challenges.
School-wide goals and expectations are owned by every student, staff member,
parent and board member. High-expectations and accountability for all
stakeholders creates a school environment in which every student can excel.
21st Century
Learning: Crossroads Academy students will master core subjects in a
curriculum anchored by the Framework for 21st Century Learning (p21.org). Our curriculum is embedded with project-based
experiences in technology and engineering, business and financial literacy, and
multicultural education. Students will acquire the academic foundation to excel
in high school, and the skills needed to be a successful global citizen.
Community
Engagement: Students engage the cultural, historic and civic amenities of
Downtown to deepen their academic studies. Students will participate in
service-learning, which is a strategy that teaches civic responsibility and
strengthens communities by integrating meaningful community service into the
curriculum and instruction. Each year,
students will participate in at least 2 service-learning projects.
