The federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) supports the creation of new schools and the replication of charter schools that are producing results. In this series, we take a closer look at charter schools across the nation that were able to open their doors and serve unique community needs due to CSP grants.
Crossroads Academy of Kansas City strives to be the premier urban school serving the youth of Kansas City, MO and a destination for other educators seeking inspiration and best practices. Based on three pillars— high expectations, 21st Century learning, and community engagement— Crossroads Academy aims to graduate students who pursue their dreams relentlessly and have a positive impact on their family, their community, and the world. Crossroads Academy operated on a shoe-string budget during the initial five months of its start-up period. A successful first round of fundraising and receipt of a CSP startup grant in 2012 enabled the school to begin paying salaries to its founding team and to purchase critical materials like computers, library resources, and curricula. Executive Director Dean Johnson noted that it would have been impossible for the school to meet its fundraising goals and begin serving students in 2012 without the CSP startup funds. Principal Tysie McDowell-Ray said, “A challenge here in Kansas City is that we don’t have a lot of high-quality school options. I have three kids of my own, so I know that struggle. We started this school for those parents who choose to stay in the city.” Please click here to learn more about Crossroads Academy of Kansas City and other charter schools that have received CSP funding.
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