Big news was recently announced for homeowners in Brookside: Academie Lafayette and KC Public Schools want to form a partnership to create an International Baccalaureate high school at Southwest High School, 6512 Wornall Road. If all plans are approved, the first students would enroll in Fall 2015.
Why is this important news for all residents–not just those with school aged children? Because a successful, well-maintained and respected public school in the heart of Brookside could raise property values and keep families in the neighborhood long term. I’m very optimistic about this possible new partnership–but of course there are many details to sort out over the next few months. I attended a meeting last week for parents of current Southwest students (although I do not have any children at the school) to find out more. Here are a few things I learned, outlined in bullet points:
*Academie Lafayette would operate the school, hire staff and manage curriculum. KCPS would retain ownership and maintenance of the building. It would not be a French immersion school, but would have several foreign language options.
*Prospective students that do not graduate from Academie Lafayette would need to pass a test before enrolling at the school.
*The inaugural 9th grade class (2015-2016) is expected to have 100-150 students, split equally with AL and other grade school grads. (Southwest has a capacity for over 1600 students; current enrollment is about 500 teens). One additional class would be added each year through 12th grade.
*Students who leave Southwest will meet with KCPS representatives, one on one, along with their parent/guardian, to discuss placement in other schools.
*The proposed partnership has been approved by the MO Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education and the AL charter school sponsor, the University of Central MO. Students would be considered KCPS students. A final decision is expected before the end of the year.
To learn more…attend a meeting! If you are the parent/guardian of a current SW student, the next Family Meeting is Thursday July 17, 6:30pm at Paseo Academy. Two Public Meetings are scheduled for 6pm Tuesday July 8 and Tuesday July 22 at Paseo Academy. Online resources: www.kcpublicschools.org/alhs and the Mind Mixer forum www.kcpsforum.org
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 
For more information there’s a recent interview with Dave Cozad, erstwhile Académie Lafayette board president, here: http://willnotbetelevised.com/2014/06/24/dave-cozad/
“Prospective students that do not graduate from Academie Lafayette would need to pass a test before enrolling at the school.”
Nice to know that my child has an actual chance at getting in! If you don’t win the “lottery” at kindergarten age (or have other children already attending), you’re out of luck getting in to AL, so this is encouraging news.