2023 Best School Districts in the Kansas City Area

• Overland Park, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  115 reviews

Senior: I think that the Blue Valley Unified School District located in Overland Park, Kansas is a fantastic school district. It gathers people that come from all different communities and welcomes them with open arms as they embark on a new adventure. The academics and sports are amazing truly. Some of the best in Kansas! I attend Blue Valley North which is known to be the best school in Kansas. I hope this opens your eyes to see why Blue Valley is such a good district.... Read 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 35

• Students 22,148

• Blue Springs, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  88 reviews

Junior: BSSD has an incredible amount of access for students. Students have a plethora of activities open to them. The opportunities are nearly limitless. However, the administration has failed teachers and students for years. Central office fails to adapt to change requested by parents, teachers, and students. Despite this, schools still provide top notch education and care to all students. BSSD staff works hard to create a safe learning environment that students often thrive in. If your student is a hard worker, BSSD is the district for them. Don't expect much from the higher-ups however if you have an issue. It can be quite political in a district as large as BSSD.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 22

• Students 14,687

• Lee's Summit, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  130 reviews

Parent: This school district has many opportunities for students. From Parents as Teachers, Great Beginnings, neighborhood elementary schools with caring teachers and staff, four middle schools (one brand new this year and the other three being retrofitted/remodeled to add 6th graders), 3 traditional high schools that offer many clubs and extra curricular activities as well as IB Diploma and IBCP curriculum, 2 alternative secondary schools, and an “Innovation Campus” for 11th and 12th graders that allows students to work towards a fast-tracked bachelor’s degree in high demand fields and/or experiential learning in STEAM subjects.... Read 130 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 27

• Students 17,790

• De Soto, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 4.58 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: DeSoto has been great for me. The administrators in the district are very easy to get along with, and they always think about the students and their well-being. Also, the student body is very kind and accepting. It is extremely easy to find people to get along with. Having a mixture of every type of person, finding people to get along with and fit in with is rather simple. I have been in the DeSoto district since Kindergarten, and I have enjoyed it every year. I have built many friendships with in the students, as well as teachers. Throughout my high school years, I have gotten involved greatly. Ranging from sports, to school spirit organizations, I have devoted myself to my school. I played tennis for four years and basketball for one, loving the atmosphere from both. I also got involved in Pep Club, StuCo, and the volunteer organization. Overall, DeSoto is a great school district, and I never would have wanted my education from anywhere else!... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 12

• Students 7,112

• Olathe, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  109 reviews

Senior: Olathe has always been a safe place to live in as well as enjoy the city and rural zones. So when it came to schools, Olathe schools was the best district to go to. Olathe Schools District always seem to be adding advanced technology for the students to have the opportunity to learn the new technology of our world. Olathe Publics schools have always have many programs to help the students achieve there goal, such as English program for those Non-English speakers like me. Olathe Schools always made sure the student was first in learning before anything else, even when the student had a disadvantage or struggle to over come they were there to help.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 51

• Students 29,128

• Shawnee Mission, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  248 reviews

Alum: Shawnee Mission West High School was a turning point for me academically mid way through my High School years. Coming from a loosely structured school in Phoenix, I transferred to a well structured and disciplined Shawnee Mission West HS in 1967 that turned my life around. I probably wouldn’t be where I’m at today without this positive transition, albeit 50 years ago! Thank you Shawnee Mission West and amazing faculty for what you meant to me! May you continue to live up to those values!... Read 248 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 44

• Students 26,117

• Kansas City, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  109 reviews

Sophomore: Park Hill is an amazing school district, with a great community, and learning styles for all kids. They are constantly expanding and changing, because they listen to kid and parent opinions, and make sure everyone's voice is heard. Their new system of learning for high schoolers Is one of the best programs I have been in, LEAD is A great alternative to modern-day schooling, with it being mostly online, and projects, with little to no homework, and PFA's, short 10 question tests that substitute for big midterms, and finals. The elementary schools are a great place to be. The teachers and most students are kind and very caring. Park hill also has Pre-K, before and after school clubs, and activities. I can't stress enough how welcoming and caring everyone is. Making friends is easy with sports, and summer school. If you have to choose somewhere to go to school in KC, Parkhill is the place.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 20

• Students 11,992

• Kansas City, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  94 reviews

Junior: My experience in the North Kansas City school district was very interesting. When I first started my freshman year, everything was weird. Masks were forced to be worn, chairs were six feet apart, and I only interacted with my teachers once a week. Despite this, my school went out of their way to make everyone feel as though this was par for the course at Staley. They turned freshman first day into a party while still following the rules and guidelines to prevent the spread of covid. And when sophomore year rolled around, they were more than ready to give us the experiences we missed out on because of the virus. And junior year was even more amazing, because that's when Staley was officially back. Masks were off, social distancing was a thing of the past, and the school was ready to push forward in our academic and athletics. And considering that we won state this year in boys basketball, I'd say we're pretty good at sports. Overall, Staley has brought me new friends and experiences.... Read 94 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 34

• Students 19,673

• Liberty, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  95 reviews

Senior: I've been a student in the Liberty Public Schools district since I was in sixth grade and I am now a senior. LPS is nothing short of an amazing district! Between their wonderful teachers, excellent programs, and solid academics, I have no complaints. The teachers, administrators, and staff apart of LPS are extremely devoted to their students and making sure every one of them works to their personal, maximum potential. I can say with confidence that within the past 6 years, every adult I've come across has been exponentially encouraging and supportive. I am graduating in May of this year and I can proudly say that I will be a Liberty High School alum that is planning on attending the University of Missouri, totally prepared!... Read 95 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 20

• Students 12,632

• Grain Valley, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  37 reviews

Parent: Most of my experience of GVHS has very positive. The teachers are wonderful. The school board had made a decision last spring that did not align with the majority of families in the district, causing a huge uproar and making the news. It was the first time I was embarrassed by our district. I have a higher expectation of them to do better. And making decisions that reflect what the families in the district want. I hope they move forward to be more inclusive in choices made. As that is how I’m raising my boys to be. I’m proud of the students, teachers, and families that stood up to say no to the decision and make it clear that choice was not ok. I have faith the school can still get back on track and get back to the school district that we all thought they were.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,503

• Kansas City, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  26 reviews

Senior: Piper is a public school that feels like a private school education! The schools have very good athletic departments and start their students training early on. However, I would like to see more diversity in the school.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,561

• Platte City, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: My experience as a whole at Platte County high school has been very positive. One of my favorite things about Platte County is all of the pride the students have for our sports teams whether that be participating in them, or attending the games to support fellow classmates and peers. Not only are the sports at Platte County exceptional, but their variety in academics also helps to ensure that you can get extra credit for many different career paths you might be wanting to explore or later pursue a career in. I think Platte County has done a good job of welcoming new students and working to accommodate to individual needs of those who might need it. Overall, my high school experience with Platte County was one that will go down being some of the best years of my life.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,269

• Basehor, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 4.7 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: Basehor-Linwood is a fantastic district to graduate from! It is located in a beautiful area close to lots of activities and resources. Community support is like no other. You are welcome to be involved in anything and everything! Teacher support is above average and someone is always checking in on you.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,091

• Smithville, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  47 reviews

Sophomore: I have been attending in the district for roughly 4 years now. The School District is pretty nice. Regarding Academics they offer college classes and upper classes you can use to ready yourself for college. However unlike other schools they don't offer AP classes until your sophomore year and that is only one AP class you can take(for your sophomore year.) Despite this there are some amazing Teachers here that are quite talented and that will do anything to keep you safe. The Club and Activities has a great variety for everyone that a large majority of the school is involved in at least 1 or 2 clubs or activities. The Spirit at Smithville is astronomically, especially when it comes to Football. Especially since our team won the State Championship last year(even the parents get involved in that!) On the negative side we diversity, since we are rather a small town a large majority of the population is white. I would say more than 90%! Which can cause lack of perspectives and racism.... Read 47 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,643

• Gardner, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: I love that my school is very welcoming! The staff is always uplifting and helping students out. I also love how involved the staff is with sports and other extra curricular activities. The office staff and counseling staff is amazing at what they do. They are always willing to help out if you are in need. One thing I would change is when they announce important things over the intercom, they also send the message out in a group email. I am taking the CNA class currently and I am not there during seminar when they usually announce these important things. I have missed out on a couple of events and deadlines.... Read 44 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 11

• Students 5,831

• Peculiar, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: I believe school is a great equalizer. However much hard work and dedication is put in, will determine success for the future. At Ray-Pec, I've personally put in lots of effort to do well and achieve high grades and the school has delivered and shown me that my efforts have been worth it. Aside from academics, there are tons of ways to get involved and do things that you enjoy with other people that enjoy them like participating in clubs, sports, or other activities. I am happy to say that through soccer I've found acceptance and refined my skills in a positive environment. I wish there were more diversity overall, and if I could change some things I would start by changing the grading scale because I feel as though all of the weight is put onto a few tests in the class that if students don't do well cause the hardships in passing the class. Putting more weight into projects and labs would give student a chance to learn in alternative ways. Overall, Ray-Pec is a great school!... Read 66 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 11

• Students 6,290

• Kansas City, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 4.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Works Here: I am a current employee at the Kauffman School and have worked on the team for 5 years. I wholeheartedly rank the school a 5 because of its unceasingly desire to grow and improve for its students, staff and families. The school is data driven and has strong rituals around reflecting on feedback and data to improve in various areas. What also drives me to work here is the high bar of expectations for students and staff- we want to see our students achieve ambitious goals and therefore we push each other every day. That requires a resilient mindset and can be challenging! But, when you build strong relationships with your team and with students and staff, it’s clear to see that the push for greatness is deeply rooted in our belief in what students can achieve.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 2

• Students 1,190

• Lansing, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  25 reviews

Junior: Lansing Unified School district has been a welcoming, inclusive place for me where it feels like the educators truly care for the students. They’ve given me all the tools it feels I need to succeed. The education methods are accommodating, allowing for people of all backgrounds and skill levels to progress equally if they want to. Overall I wouldn’t trade it for any other school district.... Read 25 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,564

• Kansas City, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: I enjoyed Crossroads charter schools because It was easy for me to make friends there and It was a school where I was able to adapt to quickly and start learning quickly. Every year a teacher that knew how to teach well to her class would always leave the school but crossroads always found a way to find a quick replacement for them in order not to mess up the learning the students receive. The sports at crossroads were always fun, it helped us make new friends and build new bonds with teammates and coaches and it was a good way to just have fun after a long day of school. If I could change one thing about crossroads it would be the food, because the food there was not always so great and it was to the point where I did not want to eat, because of how bad the food was. I have just recently graduated from crossroads and it's always going to be a great memory going there, because this school has helped shape me up for what's to come next in my life and I am grateful to have come here.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,052

• Independence, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  46 reviews

Senior: I absolutely love being here, this school has accommodated me throughout the four years that I’ve been there. I couldn’t imagine what my high school experience would’ve been like if I would’ve attended a different high school. My teachers, peers and staff members have given me the things that I need and want no matter the circumstances, and they have prepared me and supported me through whatever I wanted to do whether that be in school or in college no matter what. I can not give enough thanks to this school!... Read 46 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 11

• Students 4,872

• Oak Grove, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  34 reviews

Alum: Oak Grove is a small community, which allows for small class sizes making it a more one on one feel from student to teacher. Oak Grove also has a great counseling system, which helped me throughout my schooling. As always, with the positives come the negatives. Being such a small community, Oak Grove still has small town vision, which was very closed minded in my opinion. The dress codes were very strict, not allowing holes of any kinds, tank tops no matter the width, shorts were measured by the office, and many times girls were sent home or forced to change into gym shorts. No phones were allowed at any time during school hours, and a teacher even tried to keep my phone over the weekend once because I got on it 5 minutes before the bell rang for last period. Although some restrictions need updating, overall I think Oak Grove is a good educational district.... Read 34 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,985

• Pleasant Hill, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  32 reviews

Senior: Pleasant Hill High School is as expected for a small town school. The school emphasizes sports and academics over everything, yet not enough focus is placed on the arts. Still, the arts programs are terrific at PHHS. These creative teachers really care about their jobs, even more than the academic-related teachers. The environment itself is pretty accepting with most students feeling welcomed upon their freshman year.... Read 32 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,161

• Independence, MO•

• School District

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  Rating 3.59 out of 5  54 reviews

Niche User: I liked how the teachers were able to help me and many others discover different ways to learn. While also preparing us for our future careers. They have helped me explore different career aspects in my chosen field of study. By learning what I excel and do not excel in I have gotten a better grasp at what specific career I would be looking to continue studying. The one thing I'd like to change in the school system is having the different career paths work together as a team to simulate real world interactions, for example having the business students work with the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medical(STEM) students to raise money for the school while also furthering their understanding of their respected careers. While the STEM students create some products to sell, the business students would deal with the business side of things to help raise money for the school and also furthering their education in their respected careers. While also simulating real world interactions.... Read 54 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 31

• Students 14,240

• Leavenworth, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: Leavenworth High school is a place like no other. With its long history, being the first public school Kansas, almost every one there seems to respect and acknowledge the importance in the history of the state. Along with this, it is also a military town. This means that constantly students from all over the world are rotating through and experiencing what it means to be a Pioneer at Leavenworth High School. This just adds to the schools already diverse student body, making the school a very accepting and welcoming place, as my classmates are always from all over. At the end of the day, Leavenworth High School provides a very unique experience for high schoolers, one that they will leave with a very good sense of understanding and outlook on life.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,607

• Bonner Springs, KS•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  18 reviews

Junior: I was enrolled in Bonner Springs school district from 6th grade, the teachers were always very helpful and any of the staff members where always making sure you had the best education and resources to succeed.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,634