The KCMSD is committed to preparing students for post-secondary education and high-quality careers. Since 2003 the district has been engaged in the important work of reforming its secondary schools. The framework that guides the reform efforts of the district's secondary schools is called Achievement First (AF). AF focuses on strengthening relationships and improving teaching and learning through proven structures and processes. It consists of three key strategies: Small Learning Communities (SLCs), Family Advocacy and Improved Instruction.

AF is currently implemented in Central High School, Northeast High School, Paseo Academy, Southeast High School, and Van Horn High School. The following schools will begin implementation in the 2007-08 school year: Central Middle School, Clarke ACE Academy, Kansas City Middle School of the Arts, Martin Luther King Middle School, Northeast Middle School, Nowlin Middle School, J.A. Rodgers Middle school, and Westport Middle School.

SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (SLCS)

Interest themed Small Learning Communities (SLCs) are "schools within a school" where groups of students and teachers build meaningful relationships and engage in quality learning experiences tied to the Community theme. Each SLC includes no more than 350 students from grades 9-12 and 15 faculty members across all content areas. Students select their SLC prior to 9th grade, stay in the same SLC throughout high school, and take most of their courses with students and teachers from their Community.

FAMILY ADVOCACY

Family Advocacy pairs students and families with a school staff member who works as the student's advocate throughout his or her enrollment at the school. Advocates help students achieve their academic goals and give families consistent contact with school staff members who know their child well.

IMPROVED TEACHING AND LEARNING

Through AF, teachers create rigorous classroom learning environments supported by targeted and ongoing professional development. At the AF high schools students receive additional support in mathematics and literacy so they can actively participate in and complete rigorous academic courses.