Parents listening to Citizens of the World describe their charter school model at a meeting last May.
Thanks to a parent-led community effort, Midtown will be getting two new elementary schools as soon as 2016.
The Midtown Community School Initiative said today the Citizens of the World Charter Schools, a national public charter school network, will open the two elementary schools and eventually add a middle and high school.
Citizens of the World Charter Schools responded to an RFP issued by the Midtown Community School Initiative, asking for a partner to help open a new school here. The initiative is made up of parents who say they are committed to finding better public school options for families in Midtown neighborhoods.
California-based Citizens of the World submitted a proposal based on its model which it describes as “academically rigorous, free public schools where students of diverse backgrounds learn at high levels and grow into caring and responsible citizens of the world.” The Midtown Community School Initiative chose that proposal over the others it received, and Citizens of the World then started a process to evaluate whether Midtown was a good fit for it.
Today’s announcement from Citizens of the World says two elementary schools would open first with grades K-1, adding a grade each year and eventually adding a middle and high school to the community
“The CWC Schools model is a perfect fit for our community. The commitment to excellence and diversity supports a broader movement for the restoration and renewal of this part of Kansas City,” said Jessie Rosell, a parent and member of MCSI, said in a press release. “Our family is committed to raising our son here, so I am thrilled that he will have more opportunities to receive a quality education right in our neighborhood.”
CWC Schools says the next step will be to secure start-up funding commitments. After that benchmark is met, the priorities will include building a local board, developing the charter proposal, identifying affordable facilities and hiring a regional executive director.
“We are so grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received from Kansas City parents and community members,” said CWC Schools CEO Kriste Dragon. “We share many of the same values and goals, which include the opportunity to bring a historically segregated community together through an intentionally diverse and inclusive school. Our partnership with MCSI has already allowed us to collaborate with many groups and organizations within the community, and we’re excited to expand that outreach.”
Details
- CWC Schools and MCSI will be hosting small group family meetings, along with larger public forums, to ensure the Kansas City community has the opportunity to learn more about the CWC Schools model and charter application and approval process. Details and dates will be posted at www.cwc-kansascity.org/ and on the MCSI Facebook page.
- About Citizens of the World Charter Schools
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