Ingram's May 2024

The Barstow School at 140: Just Getting Started

The Barstow School is a model of educational excellence, marking its 140th anniversary in 2024 as the oldest inde pendent school west of the Mississippi. Established in 1884 as an all-girls college prep school in a downtown storefront, Barstow moved to Westport then 50th

and Cherry Street before heading south to 115th and State Line in 1962. With ev ery step forward, Barstow has remained at the forefront of innovation in education. The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) named Barstow among the 10 most innovative schools in the country. Barstow continuously evolves to meet the demands of a changing world while remaining steadfast in its mission: to promote sound scholarship and provide symmetrical development to mind, body, and character. Barstow is a coeducational preschool through grade 12 school, emphasizing college preparation and career readiness. What sets Barstow apart is its integration of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) skills across the curricu lum. Recognizing the importance of skills including collaboration, cre ativity, and problem-solving, Barstow ensures that its students are well equipped to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world. Central to Barstow’s educational approach is the Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space, 12200 State Line Road in Leawood, Kansas. Students engage in hands-on learning that builds their com fort and confidence in STEAM disciplines. IDEA Space is supported in part by the DeBruce Foundation, which is committed to expanding access to economic growth and opportunity. Pathways is Barstow’s specialized curriculum for motivated students to pursue career-focused skills

in engineering, theatre arts or digital media. Participants complete much of their coursework at IDEA Space under the guidance of world-class faculty. Barstow places a strong emphasis on cultivating global citizenship, fos tering appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures. With campuses in China, Ghana, and Turkey and a long history of international student exchang es, Barstow provides ample opportu nities for students to engage with new cultures and broaden their understand ing of the world. Identified as the most diverse high school in Jackson County, Barstow was recognized for its inclusion and diversity efforts with an Equity in Schools grant from The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in April 2024. Barstow is accredited by the Middle States Association, which recently select ed the school as one of only fifty schools worldwide in its initial “Responsible AI in Learning” cohort. This recognition speaks to Barstow’s ongoing efforts to harness the power of technology while ensuring ethical and responsible use. As Barstow celebrates its 140th anniversary, it remains dedicated to its founding principles while embrac ing the opportunities and challenges of the future. With its innovative curriculum, global perspective, and unwavering commitment to excel lence, Barstow empowers its students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world. l

Address: 11511 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64114

Phone: 816.942.3255

Website: www.barstowschool.org

Product or Service: Education (coeducational, preschool-grade 12 independent school) No. of Employees: 155 permanent, year-round

No. of Students: 775

Student:Teacher Ratio: 9:1

Head of Company: Shane Foster, President of The Barstow Schools

Year Founded: 1884

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