Business Details
27 Years
experience
Innovative K-5 Education in Kansas City
Gordon Parks Elementary School was founded in 1999 with a mission to honor the legacy of Gordon Parks by empowering urban students through innovative education. Our curriculum combines foundational academics with project-based learning, STEAM education, and social-emotional development to nurture well-rounded learners. We prioritize creativity, critical thinking, and character development while providing wraparound support for families. Our dedicated educators foster a safe, inclusive environment where students thrive academically and personally. Through partnerships with the Gordon Parks Foundation and community organizations, we connect students with cultural resources that inspire artistic expression and civic engagement.Our school integrates technology like iReady and Heggerty programs to enhance literacy, math, and phonemic awareness. Annual initiatives like the INSPIRE! art exhibition celebrate student creativity while reinforcing our commitment to community and philanthropy. With a focus on equity and perseverance, we prepare students to become confident, compassionate leaders in a diverse world.
Services
Project-Based Learning
STEAM Education
Social-Emotional Development
Phonemic Awareness Curriculum
Community Art Programs
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We integrate project-based learning with STEAM education for real-world problem solving
- Our social-emotional curriculum fosters empathy, resilience, and positive relationships
- We maintain a 100% anti-bullying policy with strong community accountability
- Our educators use adaptive technology like iReady and Heggerty for personalized learning
- Annual INSPIRE! exhibitions connect students with professional artists and mentors
What people say
Great teachers
Zero bullying
Creative expression
Community engagement
Academic growth
Services
Project-Based Learning
Our project-based learning approach engages students in real-world problem solving through collaborative, interdisciplinary projects. Students develop critical thinking and communication skills while meeting academic standards. This method fosters deeper understanding by connecting classroom concepts to practical applications in their communities.
STEAM Education
STEAM education integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on, creative learning experiences. Students explore concepts through design challenges, coding activities, and artistic expression that build technical skills and innovative thinking for future careers.
Social-Emotional Development
Our social-emotional learning program teaches empathy, self-awareness, and conflict resolution skills through daily classroom practices and specialized workshops. Students learn to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop personal responsibility within a supportive school community.
Phonemic Awareness Curriculum
The Heggerty phonemic awareness curriculum develops foundational reading skills through daily auditory exercises. Students practice sound recognition, blending, and manipulation to build strong decoding abilities that support early literacy and spelling development in grades K-5.
Community Art Programs
INSPIRE! art exhibitions and workshops connect students with professional artists and cultural institutions. These programs promote creative expression through visual arts, photography, and mixed media projects that align with academic standards and community engagement goals.
People
Dorothy Curry
Co-Founder
Co-founded Gordon Parks Elementary School in 1999 after being inspired by Gordon Parks' commitment to education and social justice. Advocates for urban education reform and community-based learning initiatives that empower underserved students.
Sue Jarvis
Co-Founder
Helped establish Gordon Parks Elementary School as a charter institution dedicated to project-based learning and social-emotional development. Focuses on creating equitable educational opportunities that reflect Gordon Parks' values of creativity and perseverance.
Questions
What grade levels does Gordon Parks Elementary serve?
We serve students in kindergarten through 5th grade with a focus on early childhood and elementary education.
What makes your curriculum unique?
Our curriculum combines project-based learning, STEAM education, and social-emotional development with strong arts integration inspired by Gordon Parks' legacy.
How do you support student creativity?
Through INSPIRE! art exhibitions, photography programs, and partnerships with the Gordon Parks Foundation that connect students with professional artists and mentors.
What technology resources are available?
We use iReady and Heggerty programs for personalized learning in literacy and math, with adaptive technology that meets individual student needs.
How can families get involved?
Parents participate through volunteer opportunities, community events, and the annual INSPIRE! fundraiser that connects school and home environments.
