Shawnee Mission Early Childhood Education Center

Accelerated Schools of Overland Park is a nonprofit private school in Johnson County for students in grades four through twelve. The full-day program accepts applications throughout the year and also offers summer school. Students come from across the Kansas City area with a range of academic needs; the school serves gifted, average, and learning-challenged learners. Instruction moves at an individual pace, and schedules can change when a student needs a different mix of classes. The published student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1. Executive function is part of the school day: teachers set clear expectations for completed classwork, give realistic homework, and send daily report cards so students and parents can follow academics and behavior. A licensed counseling team meets with students individually and runs Pathways small groups on mental health topics. Two certified therapy dogs spend time at school, and Friday activity clubs and field trips give students ways to connect outside class. Juniors and seniors can work with the College and Career Program as they plan their next steps. Families can schedule an in-person visit to learn how the approach would fit their student.

Our K–12 special education program serves Shawnee Mission School District students who need intensive support for significant emotional disabilities. Arrowhead combines academic instruction with trauma-informed therapeutic strategies and behavioral and mental health support. We help students practice self-regulation, with reintegration into general education as a goal when appropriate. Families receive support through the school and community partnerships. Our program opened in August 2017 in the former Arrowhead Elementary building.

The Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) is an innovative educational program designed to prepare high school students for the workforce by immersing them in real-world professional environments. Serving students in secondary education, CAPS focuses on those who are eager to explore high-skill, high-demand careers across various fields such as bioscience, engineering, healthcare, and business technology. The program emphasizes active learning through a unique blend of problem-based, project-based, and design-based methodologies that encourage students to develop critical professional skills while collaborating with industry partners. Since its inception in Blue Valley in 2009, CAPS has established a national reputation for excellence by fostering partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions. These collaborations not only shape the curriculum but also provide students with invaluable opportunities such as job shadowing, internships, and mentorship from experienced professionals. With a commitment to personalized learning experiences and a focus on emerging workforce trends, CAPS stands out for its low student-teacher ratio and strong emphasis on community investment. This model not only enhances academic achievement but also equips students with the tools they need to thrive in their future careers.