Kansas City 33

The Kansas City 33 School District operates 33 schools, including 23 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 6 high schools, and 1 alternative school, serving a predominantly economically disadvantaged student population in the Kansas City area. While the district as a whole struggles with low academic performance, a few standout schools like Lincoln College Prep and Foreign Language Academy demonstrate that high-quality education is possible within the district.

The data reveals stark disparities in academic outcomes across the district, with some schools like Hale Cook Elementary achieving proficiency rates over 50% in core subjects, while others struggle with single-digit proficiency. These performance gaps often align with the district's high rates of economic disadvantage, with the highest-poverty schools tending to have the lowest academic achievement.

Despite the challenges, the district's per-student spending is relatively high, ranging from $15,385 to $22,068 per student. However, this investment does not appear to translate to strong academic outcomes district-wide. Addressing the systemic issues facing the Kansas City 33 schools will require a comprehensive approach focused on equity, resource allocation, and evidence-based instructional practices to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.