6608 Raytown Rd.
(816) 268-7000
www.raytownschools.org

Eight independent elementary schools consolidated in order to provide the best education for their community in 1903, and more than 100 years later, Raytown Quality Schools is in its second century of quality education and also is in an exciting time of growth and change. Staff and parents challenge students to strive to reach their academic and social potential, and the district helps provide the programs they need to succeed.

Throughout the Raytown community, residents have come to “expect the exceptional” in both student and teacher performance and they have continued a strong tradition of community support. This includes a wide range of academic programs as well as extra-curricular activities.

While the focus is on K-12 education, the Raytown C2 School District has programs that reflect the community’s commitment to education at any age. From early childhood education to adult education, nearly everyone can find a quality program of interest and value.

From a November 2006 $30 million bond issue, the district was able to construct New Trails Early Learning Center for early childhood education, renovate Blue Ridge Elementary to create a multi-purpose room, renovate the Raytown Education Center to become Raytown Central Middle School, the district’s third middle school, and begin construction on Little Blue Elementary, the district’s tenth elementary and the first new building in over four decades.

Additionally, bond funds were used to create science classrooms at both high schools. As a part of other developments in conjunction with the city, the district also renovated the former Aquila building for use as a conference center, and to house district technology services and the Raytown Success Academy (formerly the Raytown Alternative School), a completed a building project that will combine nearly all Herndon Vocational programs into one campus setting. All projects, with the exception of Little Blue Elementary, hosted dedication ceremonies in September of 2008.

In 2008, 71 percent of graduates indicated they were going to college or a business or technical school. The A+ Program in each high school is assisting students in obtaining post high school education at reduced rates at state universities.

One of the hallmarks of the district’s quality is the ability to offer specialized programs designed to meet a variety of student needs. The Herndon Career Center prepares students for immediate employment after graduation or a head start on college hours, and it has recently obtained its North Central Accreditation. The Raytown Success Academy ensures that students struggling with conventional classroom situations are provided other opportunities for success. Complete special education services are available to students requiring these programs, with many mainstreamed into the regular classes. Additionally, Northwood School serves students with multiple handicaps from Raytown and 13 other districts.

The district is also known for its quality support systems for teachers – both new to the profession and experienced. Extensive staff development with a research base is prevalent throughout the academic areas. This commitment to continuously training teachers is evidenced in the success of students. Collaboration among educators, parents, and others who live and work in the district boundaries have created a sense of community – with the common goal being student success.

Raytown has a small town feel with its welcoming and safe environment, while being located in a predominantly suburban area. Those who have attended Raytown Quality Schools or sent their children to its schools remain its best supporters.

Our Exceptionals

* Fifteen students named as National Merit semifinalists, and nine chosen as finalists in the last ten years.
* Both high schools have debate and forensics squads ranked in the top-100 nationally.
* State champion and nationally-ranked culinary arts program.
* Both high schools have competitive robotics teams.
* Annual selections to all metro, district and state choirs, bands and orchestras.
* Only district in the metropolitan area with a Rhodes Scholar as an alumnus.
* A model entrepreneurship program at both middle schools.
* All schools involved in Professional Learning Communities.
* Breakfast program recognized as best in a ten-state region by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
* Middle school counselor was named Missouri Middle School Counselor of the Year in 2007.
* High school assistant principal was named the Greater Kansas City Assistant Principal of the Year in 2007.
* Raytown Educational Foundation annually awards approximately $10,000 in teaching grants.
* Special education director given the Recognition Award by the Missouri Counselors and Administrators of Special Education, and recognition as the Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education new Administrator of the Year in 2008.

District at a Glance, 2008-2009

* approximately 8,750 students
* 1,058 full-time employees
* nine elementary schools (a tenth to open in 2009-2010)
* three middle schools
* two high schools
* one alternative school
* early childhood services
* school for multiple-handicapped students serving 13 districts
* vocational school serving seven districts

Private Schools

In addition to the Raytown Quality School District, several private and parochial schools serve the community. Students from Raytown and the surrounding areas benefit from the high quality of education these schools provide.

Archbishop O’Hara High School
(816) 763-4800
9001 James Reed Rd., Kansas City 64138

Blue Ridge Christian School
(816) 358-0950
8524 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City 64138

Heart of America Christian Fellowship
(816) 356-6380
7600 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City 64138

Islamic School of Greater Kansas City
(816) 763-0322
10007 James Reed Rd., Kansas City 64134

Our Lady of Lourdes Church/School
(816) 353-7062
8800 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City 64133

Saint Regis School
(816) 763-5837
8941 James Reed Rd., Kansas City 64138

Colleges and Universities

Located in the southern metropolitan area, Metropolitan Community College-Longview is a 15-minute drive for students from the area. Boasting more than 6,000 students, Longview has built a tradition of excellence that includes exceptional liberal arts, human services, and engineering programs. It is also the first community college ever selected as a TIME/The Princeton Review College of the Year. Only the best colleges and universities in the nation receive this honor.

University of Missouri, University of Central Missouri, Avila University, Rockhurst College, and Devry all have campuses within driving distance of Raytown.