Adriauna Barger
Adriauna Barger
Editorial Assistant
Scuola Vita Nuova (SVN) Charter School (535 Garfield Ave.) is ushering in the new school year with major upgrades — from a state-of-the-art Innovation Center for eighth grade students to the purchase of a former church that will become a new Student and Family Center.
The Innovation Center (2021 Independence Ave.) plans to officially open this fall. The renovated Social Security Administration office is designed to create an inspiring space where students can engage deeply with both academic and hands-on learning.
“The new Innovation Center will serve as the home for our eighth grade class, providing a beautiful, modern space designed to foster high levels of learning and student engagement,” said Mary Pittala, director of finance and operations at SVN. “Focused instruction and hands-on learning experiences will empower students to explore their interests, build essential life skills and reach their full potential in a supportive and innovative setting.”
The Innovation Center will house core academic courses including English language arts, math, science and social studies. The school also plans to integrate enrichment programming such as culinary arts, fine arts and movement.
“These unique partnerships bring engaging, hands-on experiences to life,” Pittala said.
Students got a sneak peek of this space last spring when they spent a full day in the building ahead of the official move.
“Excitement was high and feedback has been positive,” Pittala said.
Alongside the new academic facility, SVN has acquired the former Central Baptist Church building at 550 Garfield Ave. Pittala shared the newly named Student and Family Center is not meant to expand the school’s footprint but rather to give the school flexibility to meet the needs of students and their families.
“Since we are a single-site, small, K through eight school, we want to make sure we are providing our students with various opportunities throughout their K through eight experience,” Pittala said. “We also believe our families are a valuable asset; this space will allow us to partner with them.”
The church building is currently undergoing renovations, including roof and HVAC replacement and fencing installation to allow for outdoor learning. The Student and Family Center is expected to be completed and ready for use by the 2025-26 school year.
“The 550 Garfield Avenue location, renamed the Student and Family Center, will allow students to work in small groups as well as provide learning experiences for our families,” Pittala said.
Safety improvements are also underway near the Innovation Center. The City of Kansas City approved the installation of a pedestrian crossing light in August, following a request, which SVN submitted to the Public Improvements Advisory Committee (PIAC), which is tentatively scheduled for a HAWK signal — similar to one used near Kansas City University.
“SVN is working with the City to install additional signage to alert drivers to slow down during the stretch of Independence Avenue along the school’s property between Garfield and Brooklyn,” Pittala said.
She emphasized that student and staff safety remains a top priority.
“Proper traffic control like crosswalks, signage and reduced speed zones help prevent vehicle/pedestrian collisions,” she said.
SVN has partnered with the City’s Public Works Department and the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District (CID) on the project. She shared that Bailey Waters, chief mobility officer for the City of Kansas City and Mike Spady, Independence Avenue CID director of operations, have played key roles in advancing the HAWK signal implementation plan.
As the City is still determining the exact placement of the crossing light, installation is anticipated for completion in summer 2026.
As students return for fall semester, Pittala said the team at SVN is feeling renewed energy after long-term challenges, which followed the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to see kids learning,” she said. “It has taken awhile for children and adults to recover from COVID. We continue to prioritize our students’ social and emotional well-being, but we are also back on track with academic systems in place and ready to launch learning.”
This year, the school is focusing on bolstering foundational skills in reading and math.
“We want to ensure that our students have a strong foundation that will allow them to reach their goals and fullest potential,” Pittala said. “This strong foundation will allow them to utilize 21st century learning skills and participate in hands-on learning.”
Pittala said SVN remains committed to serving the Northeast community, where the majority of its students live.
“SVN partners with families — one of our most valuable assets — and encourages learning beyond the walls of our school through strong community partnerships,” she said. “80% of our students live within a two-mile radius of SVN, and we work to develop their pride in themselves and their community.”
For more information go to https://www.svncharter.org/.
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