Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted K-12 International Education in Kansas City
Academie Lafayette has dedicated two decades to providing a transformative educational experience in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 2000, our institution has evolved from a French immersion elementary school to a comprehensive K-12 system serving over 1,400 students across three campuses. Our mission centers on cultivating globally-minded critical thinkers through rigorous language immersion programs and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. With a faculty comprising educators from 15+ countries, we offer unparalleled cultural perspectives while maintaining Missouri's highest academic standards. Our graduates consistently excel in college preparatory programs, evidenced by perfect ACT scores and placements at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Dartmouth.As Missouri's only IB continuum school, we combine STEM excellence with Mandarin and Spanish language tracks, complemented by international travel opportunities. Our commitment to community is reflected in 98% parent satisfaction rates and award-winning athletics programs that foster leadership and teamwork. Through strategic partnerships with Saint Louis University and local businesses, we ensure students receive both local relevance and global context in their education.
Services
French Immersion Programs
International Baccalaureate
STEM Education
After School Programs
Career & Technical Education
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Award-winning multilingual education with 20+ years of immersion program excellence
- Missouri's only complete IB continuum school from kindergarten through 12th grade
- Diverse faculty from 15+ countries delivering authentic cultural perspectives
- 98% parent satisfaction rate with college preparatory outcomes
- Unique third-language options including Mandarin and Spanish alongside French
Associations and certifications
- International Baccalaureate Organization
What people say
World-class education
Global awareness development
College-ready graduates
Diverse student body
Experienced educators
Services
French Immersion Programs
Our full-language immersion approach teaches core subjects in French for grades K-8, with 90% of instruction delivered in the target language. Certified native-speaking educators create authentic cultural experiences through literature, arts, and international exchanges. Students achieve fluency while mastering Missouri's academic standards, with 85% maintaining language proficiency through high school.
International Baccalaureate
We offer the complete IB continuum from Primary Years to Diploma Programme. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and inquiry-based learning. Students participate in global assessments and collaborative projects with IB schools worldwide, preparing them for university success and global citizenship through extended essays and theory of knowledge courses.
STEM Education
Our STEM program integrates engineering design principles with real-world problem solving. Students engage in robotics competitions, coding workshops, and environmental science projects. The 9-12 program features specialized labs for biotechnology, computer science, and physics, with 75% of graduates pursuing STEM majors in college through partnerships with local tech companies and universities.
After School Programs
We provide 35+ extracurricular options including performing arts, debate teams, and cultural clubs. Our extended day program offers homework assistance and enrichment activities until 6:00 PM, with transportation services available. Specialized programs in visual arts and music instruction are available for students K-12 through partnerships with local cultural institutions.
Career & Technical Education
Our CTE pathway offers industry certifications in healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. Students gain hands-on experience through internships with local businesses and dual-credit courses at community colleges. The program prepares students for immediate workforce entry or continued technical education with 80% job placement rates for graduates pursuing technical careers.
People
Elimane Mbengue
Head of School
Dr. Mbengue brings 25 years of international education leadership to AL, having previously served as IB coordinator in Senegal and France. He holds a doctorate in curriculum development and oversees academic strategy across all three campuses.
Lena Houfaidi
Non-Discrimination Compliance Officer
Ms. Houfaidi has served in educational administration for 18 years, specializing in equity policy implementation. She manages AL's compliance with federal civil rights laws and serves as Title IX coordinator for the district.
Mary Adams
Parent Representative
As parent of two current students, Mary advocates for family engagement initiatives. She chairs the Parent Teacher Organization and facilitates cultural exchange programs with international partner schools.
Leslie Houfaidi
France Trip Coordinator
Ms. Houfaidi organizes annual educational exchanges to France, coordinating with partner schools in Lyon and Paris. She has led student groups on cultural immersion trips since 2015, integrating travel with curriculum objectives.
Keith Christensen
Title I Academic Support
Mr. Christensen directs our early intervention programs, specializing in language acquisition for struggling learners. With 12 years at AL, he develops individualized support plans that have improved reading proficiency rates by 40% district-wide.
Questions
What grade levels does Académie Lafayette serve?
We serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade across three campuses: Cherry and Oak for K-5, and Armour for 6-12.
Is language immersion available for all grade levels?
Full French immersion is offered K-8, with advanced language courses continuing through high school. Mandarin and Spanish are introduced as third languages starting in middle school.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer 35+ clubs, sports teams, and arts programs including robotics, debate, theater, and international cultural exchanges.
How does the school support college preparation?
Our IB Diploma Programme includes college counseling, SAT/ACT preparation, and partnerships with universities for dual-credit courses.
Are transportation services available?
Yes, we provide door-to-door busing for all students with routes covering the greater Kansas City area.
What special programs exist for gifted students?
Our IB curriculum naturally supports advanced learners through inquiry-based projects and extended essay requirements tailored to individual interests.
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