Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Charter School?

An independent public school that is an alternative to the regular public school system. Charter schools are alike in the following ways:

  • They receive public tax support
  • They cannot charge tuition nor discriminate in student enrollment
  • They are non-profit organizations governed by a board that assumes legal, financial, and program oversight responsibilities
  • They must satisfy their sponsor (ours is University of Central Missouri) and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that students are progressing academically
  • Each has the capacity to hire and fire its staff
  • Each may determine its system for reaching the state curricular goals.
What is the mission and vision of the school?

Gordon Parks Elementary MISSION: Acting on its conviction that every child has promise, GORDON PARKS ELEMENTARY provides an enriched individualized academic program particularly to educate at-risk, urban core children to reach their potential.

Gordon Parks Elementary VISION: Children are our future. They are our future parents, educators, researchers, politicians, and entrepreneurs. At Gordon Parks, we want our future to be filled with self-sufficient, empathetic, knowledgeable citizens with feelings of hope for their future.

Who manages the school?

Gordon Parks has site-based management, under the direction of an Executive Director and Principal, and is governed by a Board of Directors.

Who may apply to attend Gordon Parks Elementary?

Anyone living within the Kansas City Missouri School District may apply for kindergarten through fifth grade. Call Wadandra McBride (816.753.6711) for more enrollment information. 

What is the school dress code?

All students must wear a uniform shirt or sweatshirt along with black, navy, or khaki pants/shorts. New students receive two free uniform shirts. Shirts can be purchased in the school office for $5 each.

Is there transportation?

Complimentary door-to-door transportation is provided to our students within the parameters of the district. Transportation is not provided to students within walking distance. Please contact the main office for more information regarding bus transportation. (816.753.6700).

What is your school hours?

School is in session from 7:15 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. every day. An Aftercare program is provided each weekday until 6:00. Please contact Wadandra McBride (816.753.6711) for more information about this program.

Is the staff qualified?

All teachers are certified, highly qualified and have urban education experience.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

Class size is typically limited to 18 students per classroom. Additionally, Gordon Parks boasts a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio during core instructional time in the classroom. The school utilizes a co-teaching model for classroom management and instruction.

What is expected of me as a parent?

Ensure your student arrives on time, in uniform and with plenty of rest ready to start the school day at 7:15 a.m. By ensuring your child is present every day, unless he/she is ill with a fever, you show to your child that you value education. You are also expected to watch for and respond to notes from school, provide updated contact information to the school, spend at least 20 minutes each day listening and reading with your child, come to school meetings and volunteer at Gordon Parks when possible.

How does "No Child Left Behind" affect Gordon Parks?

Being a public school, Gordon Parks Elementary is under the jurisdiction of this federal program. The school embraces the goal for every student to become proficient in math and communication arts.