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Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction
KC International Academy (KCIA) is a public charter school serving kindergarten through 8th grade in Kansas City, Missouri. The curriculum is anchored in Missouri Learning Standards and uses evidence-based instruction, with an English Language Development program that supports multilingual learners through translators and native-language classroom help when appropriate. Nearly two-thirds of students speak a language other than English, representing 30 countries and 15 languages, reflecting KCIA's international focus. Electives include art, music, physical education, health, library, computer science, robotics, community service, and production/entrepreneurship, with reading interventions provided as needed. KCIA opened in 1999 as Della Lamb Charter School and is accredited by the Missouri Department of Education. The school weaves language development into daily instruction with quarterly progress checks, and offers family supports such as nutrition programs, mental health counseling, and a Family Resource Coordinator network. Growth scores indicate progress, with 100% ELA and math growth and 90th percentile overall.
KC International Academy has 575 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.
Location
KCIA is located at 414 Wallace Ave, Kansas City, MO 64125. It is in Kansas City, Missouri. The school day runs Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Stages
PreK through 8th grade; Elementary School (K–4) and Middle School (5–8).
Type
Charter public school
Pupil Nationality Mix
Students represent more than 30 countries and speak more than 15 languages. Approximately 60% of students are English Language Learners.
Additional learning support
Special Services provide specially designed instruction, related services, and accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities. A team of translators supports newcomer students and English language development is provided by specialized staff.
Country affiliation
International focus
School day structure
School operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 am–4:00 pm, with weekends off.
Bus service
Transportation is provided to all students living within the Kansas City Public School District boundaries.
Fees
Application fees - There is no charge to submit an application to KC International Academy; new-family applications are made through the SchoolAppKC common-application system used by participating Kansas City charter and public schools.
Tuition fees (by year group and term) - Pre-K through Grade 8: No tuition is charged for resident students. KC International Academy operates as a public charter school and does not bill families regular tuition by term or by year for enrollment. There are no scheduled per-term or annual tuition charges for in-district students.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Regular tuition billing: Not applicable because the school does not charge tuition for resident Pre-K–8 students. - Fees that do occur (for replacement or damage) are billed as incurred; families are expected to pay amounts assessed for lost or damaged school property when the school issues a charge. Specific equipment-replacement amounts for school-issued devices are published in the student handbook and are billed to families when applicable.
Boarding fees - Not applicable. KC International Academy is a day school (Pre-K–8) and does not offer boarding or residential placements.
Other costs and fees (examples and details) - School meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge to students under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP); families are not charged for standard school meals. - Textbooks and core instructional materials: Textbooks are supplied free of charge; families are responsible only for repair or replacement costs if materials are lost or damaged. - Lost or damaged school property and technology: Families may be billed for lost or damaged materials and for damaged or lost school-issued equipment. The student handbook lists charge examples for school-issued technology (for example: up to USD 325.00 for complete loss/damage; screen replacements USD 100; keyboard/mouse USD 75; bags USD 25; chargers USD 30). These charges are assessed when an item is lost or returned damaged. - Field trips and activities: Field trip permission is required; parents may be asked to provide transportation or chaperone as noted in school procedures. The handbook sets expectations for permission and chaperones; specific event costs (if any) are determined per trip and communicated to families as needed. - After-school clubs and external programs: The school provides a variety of after-school activities. Some programs or third-party vendors (partner organizations) may charge participation fees; any such fees are determined by the program provider and communicated directly to participating families. - Records and document requests: Official records requests are processed through an external records vendor (records-request link is provided by the school). Fees for copies or official records are handled through that vendor at the time of request.
Refund information - Tuition refunds: Not applicable because the school does not charge tuition for resident Pre-K–8 students. - Refunds for billed items: The student handbook does not publish a general, school-wide refund policy for billed items. Refund or credit handling for specific payments (for example, vendor-handled records fees or program fees) is managed according to the vendor or program's payment and refund procedures. Families billed for replacement or damage are expected to follow the school's invoicing instructions for resolution.
Fee payment options and how billed items are handled - Vendor payments: When the school uses an external vendor for a service (for example, records requests), payments are made through that vendor's payment system at the time the service is requested. The school's enrollment resources point families to the vendor platform for records and similar services. - School-assessed charges: Charges assessed by the school for lost or damaged materials or equipment are billed to families and are expected to be paid according to the school's invoice or billing instructions; specific accepted payment methods are those established by the school's business office or the vendor processing the charge. The student handbook identifies amounts and the school's right to bill for replacement or repair.
Summary statement - KC International Academy does not charge application fees or regular tuition for resident Pre-K–8 students. Costs families should expect are occasional, item-specific charges (for example, lost or damaged instructional materials or school-issued technology) and any fees imposed by third-party vendors for optional services (for example, records copies or external program fees). The school provides free breakfast and lunch under CEP and supplies textbooks at no charge; parents are responsible for replacement costs when items are lost or damaged.
Academics
KC International Academy teaches American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 14.
Curriculum
The school's curriculum is anchored in Missouri's Learning Standards and uses evidence-based instruction. The English Language Development program supports multilingual learners, with translators available and native-language classroom support when appropriate. Nearly two-thirds of students speak a language other than English, representing 30 countries and 15 languages. The school offers electives in art, music, physical education, health, library, computer science, robotics, community service, and production/entrepreneurship, with reading interventions provided as needed.
Exam Results
The school is fully accredited by the state Education Department's APR. Growth scores are 100% of possible points for academic growth in English Language Arts and Math, with a Missouri Value-Added Growth Model percentile in the 90th percentile.
Admissions
Admissions
KCIA's eligibility requirements specify that students must reside within KCPS district boundaries; Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by July 31 and Pre-K students must be 4 years old by July 31; KCIA's grade span is Pre-K to Eighth grade. The school participates in SchoolAppKC, a common application platform, and the eight-question application can be completed in less than five minutes. Apply and enroll: Applications open November 1, 2024; submit your application by March 1, 2025; receive an offer on March 7, 2025; and let the school know you're coming by March 15, 2025 to begin enrollment. If space is not available, you may remain on the waitlist. Lottery preferences and weights include: (1) siblings currently enrolled and attending KCIA, (2) additional siblings applying to KCIA, (3) the child of an employee with all eligibility met, and (4) a refugee or homeless applicant within the prior six months. District requirements upon acceptance are residency verification (one of: current lease/mortgage statement, current gas, water or electric bill), birth certificate, immunizations records, and a parent photo ID; the Director of Student Services will work with McKinney‑Vento eligible families to meet residency requirements.
Waitlist
If space is not available, applicants may remain on KCIA's waitlist.
FAQs
Where is KC International Academy located?
KC International Academy is located at 414 Wallace Ave, Kansas City, MO 64125. It sits in Kansas City, Missouri, and operates as a public charter school serving the local community.
What grades does KC International Academy serve and what is the age range?
KCIA serves Pre-K through 8th grade, with students aged roughly 4 to 14. The school is co-educational and operates as a public charter school.
What curriculum does KCIA follow and how does it support multilingual learners?
KCIA's curriculum is anchored in Missouri's Learning Standards and uses evidence-based instruction. The English Language Development program supports multilingual learners with translators and native-language classroom support when appropriate, with about 60% of students classified as English Language Learners.
Do families pay tuition or application fees to enroll?
There is no regular tuition for resident Pre-K–8 students, and there are no application fees to submit an application. Applications are submitted through the SchoolAppKC common-application system.
What is the admissions process and timeline?
Applications open on November 1, 2024 and must be submitted by March 1, 2025. Offers are issued by March 7, 2025, with enrollment confirmed by March 15, 2025; if space isn't available, applicants may join the waitlist.
What lottery preferences exist and what residency verification is required?
Lottery preferences include siblings currently enrolled, additional siblings applying, the child of an employee who meets eligibility, and a refugee or homeless applicant within the prior six months. Accepted families must provide residency verification (lease or mortgage statement or a utility bill), a birth certificate, immunization records, and a parent photo ID; McKinney-Vento eligible families receive support.
What is KCIA's academic approach and how is ELL integrated?
KCIA follows Missouri Learning Standards with evidence-based instruction. The English Language Development program integrates language development into daily instruction, supported by translators and differentiated ELA for newcomers.
How does KCIA measure student growth and progress?
KCIA is fully accredited by the Missouri Department of Education. Growth scores reach 100% of possible points in English Language Arts and Math, with a Missouri Value-Added Growth Model percentile around the 90th.
Are electives and reading interventions available for students?
Yes. KCIA offers electives in art, music, physical education, health, library, computer science, robotics, community service, and production/entrepreneurship, along with reading interventions as needed; there is also an ongoing band program.
What supports exist for language development and elective offerings?
KCIA provides an extensive English Language Program with trained ELD teachers and translators to support newcomers, and offers electives across arts, technology, and other subjects.
Do textbooks and devices incur costs for families?
Textbooks are supplied free of charge. Families are responsible for repair or replacement costs if materials or school-issued equipment are lost or damaged.
What about meals and transportation?
Breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge under the Community Eligibility Provision. Transportation is provided by First Student for students living within the Kansas City Public School District boundaries.
What extracurricular activities are offered at KCIA?
KCIA offers a variety of extracurriculars, including fall sports (volleyball, cross country, flag football), winter basketball, spring track and field and soccer, and an ongoing band program; art and music are available as elementary specials.
Is there a band program at KCIA?
Yes. Band is an ongoing extracurricular activity, and art and music are offered as elementary specials.
What resources support nutrition, family resources, and student well-being?
KCIA runs a USDA fruit/vegetable snack program 2–3 times per week, supported by nutrition and community services. Family Resource Coordinators help families access resources like the Food Pantry and Caring Closet, with a McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison and school counselors providing mental health support.
How does KCIA support multilingual learners and newcomer students?
The English Language Development program uses translators and native-language classroom support where appropriate, with differentiated ELA for newcomers to help them grow academically while improving English skills.
What mental health and safeguarding resources are available at KCIA?
Mental health support is provided by school counselors, and the school follows a Local Wellness Policy. Additional supports include a McKinney-Vento liaison and Family Resource Coordinators to assist with wellness resources.
Are there resources for students experiencing homelessness?
Yes. KCIA has a McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison to assist students experiencing homelessness and connect families with needed resources.
Is there a school uniform, or what is the dress code at KCIA?
KCIA has a dress code that emphasizes respect and appropriate attire rather than a formal uniform. Items like hats and revealing clothing are restricted, and straps and skirt lengths have guidelines.
What meals does KCIA provide to students?
KCIA provides breakfast and lunch at no charge to eligible students under CEP; menus are posted monthly.
