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Hartman Elementary is a PK-6th grade neighborhood school and is a part of Kansas City Public Schools. Students walk to school or are bussed in from the surrounding neighborhood. Neighborhood boundaries determine who can attend Hartman. -
Dr. Jessie Kirksey is principal of Hartman Elementary. Dr. Kirksey has been an educator in KCPS for more than 50 years. She says her students call her “Dr. K’ and she has high expectations for all of them. -
When students arrive each day, they are greeted by Ms. Wright (featured left) in the front office. -
As a part of Kansas City Public Schools, students at Hartman are expected to wear a uniform daily. This includes khaki or navy bottoms with white, black, red, or navy tops. Students who live more than half a mile from the school can choose to be bussed or dropped off by parents. -
In class, students hang their bookbags and coats on hooks assigned to them by teachers. -
Students also have a large green space bordering the playground where they can play games. -
When it is time to play outside students have a lot of room to run. This playground is open to all grade levels. -
Student work is featured in every hallway. Here is a bulletin board documenting what lower elementary students learned about plant growth during their science class. -
Student work is featured in every hallway. Here is a bulletin board documenting what lower elementary students learned about plant growth during their science class. -
In the school library, students have a variety of seating options to choose from including tall tables like these. Classes go the library each week. -
Students and staff gather in the auditorium for special assemblies. On this day, the Pre-K class was doing its end of the year performance. Their parents and teachers are in the audience. -
Students at Hartman Elementary have computer class as one of their electives. They go once each week to practice keyboarding and other computer skills. -
These sixth grade students work independently in small groups to complete an assignment. -
These fifth grade students get help from their teacher with a class project. Each student at Hartman has access to technology. Their computers are kept at school and used when they need them. -
In this kindergarten class, students sit as a group while their teacher reads one of their favorite books. -
Teachers in all grades have classroom libraries with books organized by reading level. -
In lower elementary classrooms, students work in table groups with shared supplies. -
Whole group instruction is common practice at Hartman. These first graders sit quietly while their teacher does a language lesson. -
Community volunteers also built and help to maintain this outdoor learning space dedicated to Dr. Kirksey. -
Outside, volunteers from Community Christian Church help to maintain this garden. Students also plant flowers and use the garden as an occasional learning tool in Science class. -
This volunteer runs the GEMS at Hartman. It is an after school program that teaches social skills, conflict resolution, and healthy habits to girls in grades 1-6. Volunteers also provide trauma, violence prevention, and counseling services for students and families that need it. -
Parents aren’t the only ones who give their extra time at Hartman. Here is the art teacher Mr. McKenna. He drew these portraits of famous African Americans himself as a way to provide an additional source of inspiration to his students. He even did one of Dr. Kirksey. It is in the bottom right corner of the bulletin board. Students go to Mr. McKenna’s class once each week. -
Parents line up to go have cake and punch with their pre-K students after their performance. Parents are heavily involved at Hartman. Many had Dr. Kirksey as their principal when they were children and wanted their own children to have the same experience. Dr. Kirksey involves parents in setting a vision for student learning every year. -
Pre-K students perform a song for their families and staff at their promotion ceremony. -
On this day in the Pre-K classroom, students and families celebrate students’ promotion to kindergarten. The table decorated with student and family photos. Families come and watch children perform and engage in the fun too! -
In the Pre-K classroom, students have realistic play areas that help to build their social skills while they have fun. -
While these students are trying out stilts, tricycles, basketball, and jump ropes for their choice activities in gym. Students go to physical education once each week. -
Teachers at Hartman are committed to making learning fun. In gym class, these students are playing a dance game as one of their activity rotations. -
Students and staff at Hartman use the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) system for discipline and have just three rules: Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Be Safe. These are posted throughout the building to remind students of what is expected from them in the hallway, in class, and other spaces. -
Hartman students have this courtyard built into the school where they can take a break during the day as well. -
As a part of Kansas City Public Schools, breakfast and lunch are free of charge to every student at Hartman Elementary. -
Daily Before and After School care are provided by LINC free of charge to students at Hartman.
Hartman Elementary (PK-6)
Hartman Elementary
School Leader(s)
Jessie Kirksey, Principal- NO Tuition
- Availability for 2021-2022
- Transportation provided
- Before and After-Care Available
Quick Facts
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment where all children can become life-long learners. Our responsibility is to lead, encourage and provide the opportunity for all students to reach their full potential and be productive in our diverse and global society.
Points of Pride
- Hartman is best known for its outstanding culture; with a caring, nurturing staff, Hartman teachers and staff focus on a child-centered program with the desire of developing the whole student.
- The main focuses at Hartman are attendance, attitude and achievement. Hartman is a family-friendly school that also partners with community organizations to provide additional support for students throughout the school year.
- School leadership hosts town hall meetings throughout the course of the school year to empower students to have a voice and become a part of the solution. Students not only develop leadership skills, they also grow in their love of learning.
School Hours
- School Hours: 8:10 am - 3:10 pm
- Before Care Hours Start: 7:00 am
- After Care Hours End: 6:00 pm
School Details
- Year Established: 1947
- Total Enrollment: 56
- Specialized Focus: neighborhood school
- Affiliation: KCPS-Neighborhood
- School Type: KCPS-Neighborhood
Feeder Schools
- Middle School: Central Middle School
- High School: Southeast High School
Tuition
- Tuition: NO Tuition
Our Demographics
Receive Special Ed Services
English Language Learners
Programs and Features
Specialized Programs
- N/A
Arts Programs
- Vocal Music
Sports Programs
- N/A
Clubs + Activities
- Journalism/Newspaper
- National Honor Society
- Student Government
Family Engagement
- Classroom Volunteers
- Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Schoolwide Volunteers
Application Process
Application Details
Although many schools have application deadlines, most continue to accept applications for available seats on an ongoing basis.
- Application Open: December 5, 2019
- Kindergarten Cutoff: July 31, 2020
- Offer Date: March 1, 2021
- Residence: Students live within Hartman's boundaries in the South Zone
How to Apply
Enroll online on the KCPS website
Applications for signature and neighborhood schools open on December 14, 2020
The initial round of applications deadline is February 15, 2021
The week of March 1st, initial seats will be offered, and parents will need to complete the registration form.
You can still apply after the deadline, seats will be offered at a later date.
Submit applications online or in person at the Board of Education building, 2901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Applications CANNOT be submitted at schools.
Student Performance
Standardized Test Results
English
Math
Why It Matters
Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests are scored (or graded) according to four achievement levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced. The number shown here is the percentage of students who scored Proficient or Advanced. When comparing scores between years, please remember that the test Missouri gives has changed several times.
Please note that private schools are not required to participate in these exams.
In 2019, the average English score in Missouri was 48.7%; the average Math score was 41.9%, source
Attendance Rate 90/90
Why It Matters
Schools strive to have at least 90% of their students achieve a 90% attendance rate because kids learn best when they’re in school.
In 2019, 87.3% of Missouri students were in attendance at least 90% of the time, source.
Third Grade Reading Scores
Why It Matters
Third grade is the important time when kids switch from learning to read to reading to learn and is an important benchmark for a student’s educational development.
In 2019, the average 3rd grade reading score in Missouri was 48.7%, source
Student Growth
English Language Arts
Exceeding
Why It Matters
This data determines if individual students, compared to their peers, are making achievement gains over time in English Language Arts.
There are three categories possible: Floor (minimum), On Track (doing just fine), and Exceeding (outperforming their peers).
Mathematics
Exceeding
Why It Matters
This data determines if individual students, compared to their peers, are making achievement gains over time in Mathematics.
There are three categories possible: Floor (minimum), On Track (doing just fine), and Exceeding (outperforming their peers).
Parent Perspective
Karen James, Hartman Grandparent
We are in our fifth year at Hartman Elementary School. I enrolled my granddaughter at the tender young age of 3 in the preschool program. She is an only child and had not been away from me or family members on a regular basis. I was concerned about her adjustment period. At the time, the preschool program and the extended hours provided by LINC influenced my decision to choose Hartman as I had just returned to school full time myself.
Within the first week I knew my granddaughter was in the right place. We were greeted with “Good morning” and a smile from the moment we entered the door. Dr. Kirksey, teachers, support staff, parents, even students, speak to you at Hartman. It’s amazing, no, it is family at Hartman!
Dr. Jessie Kirksey and the teachers at Hartman are the best. My granddaughter is in first grade. She is fortunate to have had the same teacher, Mrs. Fowler for both kindergarten and first grade. Mrs. Fowler donates her time after school to tutor her students. Not only does my granddaughter excel academically, reading almost 2 years above grade level, but she has participated in Cheerleading and Girl Scouts. She is currently enrolled in the GEMS self-esteem program for girls. Other opportunities include Boy Scouts and basketball  for students at Hartman.
The opportunity for parental involvement is endless due to Dr. Kirksey’s open door policy If you have an idea that will benefit children, sit down and talk with her and if possible it will happen.