Daisy Garcia Montoya 
Education Reporter

Show Me KC Schools and the Kansas City Public Library gear up for its eighth annual City School Fair taking place this Saturday, November 11, at the Central Library. The City School Fair is a co-hosted event between Show Me KC Schools, an organization focused on providing resources and information on schools located in the Kansas City area, and the Kansas City Public Library. 

Serving as Show Me KC Schools’ largest annual event, the school fair will provide Kansas City families with the opportunity to explore school options in one place and learn more information about school applications, resources and school culture. Unlike previous years, this year the City School Fair will feature schools that explore Pre-K to 12th grade options, consolidating all grades, as opposed to having two different fairs. 

“Previously, we’ve done two separate fairs, one for Pre-K and a separate one for K-12. To make this information gathering opportunity more convenient for families, we’ve decided to combine those fairs and just do one massive city school fair every year,” said Nina Ward, director of programs at Show Me KC Schools. 

Ward says that given how many different options are available in the Kansas City area, making time to learn from each one is not something feasible for most families. “We think it’s really important to provide an opportunity that families can become accustomed to expect each year, where they can go and learn from as many schools as they want while still utilizing a great resource like the Kansas City Public Library, and the downtown Central Library to do it,” Ward said. 

Families can expect over 50 school representatives available, including from Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), public charter schools and private schools to provide information on their schools application, upcoming tours and open houses. Additionally, schools will share details on their curriculums, resources, and early childhood programs if offered. 

Show Me KC Schools will also have school navigators to aid families as they explore different education options, one of which is a Spanish-speaker who will be available to assist in translation and interpretations to families that may need the assistance. 

“Don’t feel like you have to come knowing every school that you want to interact with and learn more about. We have navigators and volunteers that will be supporting families, talking through their options and guiding them through the process,” Ward says. “We know it can be a lot of assessing all of these schools and it can be a bit overwhelming once you see that list and how many schools there are, but we have plenty of support in place to help guide you and navigate that process.” 

To make the fair inviting not only parents but students as well, face painters, balloon artists and prize raffles will be available to entertain students as parents explore different options. KC Slugger, Royals’ mascot, will also be making a guest appearance at the school fair. 

“Come out and join us for the fun and get excited about where your child will attend school next year.” said Leslie Kohlmeyer, executive director at Show Me KC Schools.

The event will take place at the Kansas City Public Library‘s downtown Central Library, located at 14 W. 10th Street from 10am-1pm. Free parking is available in the parking lot directly west of the Central Library building on the northwest corner of 10th and Baltimore. 

Families unable to attend can visit showmekcschools.org to find resources and information on school options online or may stop by Show Me KC Schools’ physical office located at 2201 Lexington Avenue between 8:30-4:30 am to speak with a school navigator on their options and needs as they research schools. Additionally, Show Me KC Schools will be hosting a city wide open house on January 27th to provide families the option to visit the physical schools without having to take off work. For more information,  visit the website or call 816-535-0656. 

Annual City School Fair returns this month 

Show Me KC Schools and the Kansas City Public Library gear up for its eighth annual City School Fair taking place this Saturday, November 11, at the Central Library. The City School Fair is a co-hosted event between Show Me KC Schools, an organization focused on providing resources and information on schools located in the Kansas City area, and the Kansas City Public Library. 

Serving as Show Me KC Schools’ largest annual event, the school fair will provide Kansas City families with the opportunity to explore school options in one place and learn more information about school applications, resources and school culture. Unlike previous years, this year the City School Fair will feature schools that explore Pre-K to 12th grade options, consolidating all grades, as opposed to having two different fairs. 

“Previously, we’ve done two separate fairs, one for Pre-K and a separate one for K-12. To make this information gathering opportunity more convenient for families, we’ve decided to combine those fairs and just do one massive city school fair every year,” said Nina Ward, director of programs at Show Me KC Schools. 

Ward says that given how many different options are available in the Kansas City area, making time to learn from each one is not something feasible for most families. “We think it’s really important to provide an opportunity that families can become accustomed to expect each year, where they can go and learn from as many schools as they want while still utilizing a great resource like the Kansas City Public Library, and the downtown Central Library to do it,” Ward said. 

Families can expect over 50 school representatives available, including from Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), public charter schools and private schools to provide information on their schools application, upcoming tours and open houses. Additionally, schools will share details on their curriculums, resources, and early childhood programs if offered. 

Show Me KC Schools will also have school navigators to aid families as they explore different education options, one of which is a Spanish-speaker who will be available to assist in translation and interpretations to families that may need the assistance. 

“Don’t feel like you have to come knowing every school that you want to interact with and learn more about. We have navigators and volunteers that will be supporting families, talking through their options and guiding them through the process,” Ward says. “We know it can be a lot of assessing all of these schools and it can be a bit overwhelming once you see that list and how many schools there are, but we have plenty of support in place to help guide you and navigate that process.” 

To make the fair inviting not only parents but students as well, face painters, balloon artists and prize raffles will be available to entertain students as parents explore different options. KC Slugger, Royals’ mascot, will also be making a guest appearance at the school fair. 

“Come out and join us for the fun and get excited about where your child will attend school next year.” said Leslie Kohlmeyer, executive director at Show Me KC Schools.

The event will take place at the Kansas City Public Library‘s downtown Central Library, located at 14 W. 10th Street from 10am-1pm. Free parking is available in the parking lot directly west of the Central Library building on the northwest corner of 10th and Baltimore. 

Families unable to attend can visit showmekcschools.org to find resources and information on school options online or may stop by Show Me KC Schools’ physical office located at 2201 Lexington Avenue between 8:30-4:30 am to speak with a school navigator on their options and needs as they research schools. Additionally, Show Me KC Schools will be hosting a city wide open house on January 27th to provide families the option to visit the physical schools without having to take off work. For more information,  visit the website or call 816-535-0656.