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Primitivo Garcia is a neighborhood school serving grades Pre-K-6 as a part of Kansas City Public Schools. Many students walk to school and those in grades K-6 can take the bus as well. All students wear uniforms at Primitivo Garcia. These include khaki or navy blue bottoms and white, navy blue, or light blue tops. -
This is Principal Alomenu. She is head principal of Primitivo Garcia and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. -
Primitivo Garcia is a school where every child is taught to be an ordinary hero just like the man the school is named after. Here, a Pre-Kindergarten student helps her teacher pack up the room for summer break. -
These Pre-Kindergarten students work together to pick up toys and organize them. Primitivo Garcia is a Leader in Me school. The purpose of this program is to develop leadership skills in all students by showing them their worth, potential and positive contributions to the school. -
This Pre-Kindergarten student is practicing the habit “Put First Things First.” He is completing his letter practice before he moves on to a play area in his classroom. -
This student is making a similar choice as he works with an abacus to practice counting. Students at Primitivo Garcia are encouraged to self manage and make good choices. -
Some Pre-K classrooms have dress-up areas for imaginary play and others have sensory tables like this one where students can play with sand or water. These students are helping to pack the sand table for the day. -
Pre-K students have their own playground at Garcia and access to tricycles to practice gross motor skills. Their play area is just outside of the Pre-K wing and off limits to K-6 students. -
Student leadership is a big focus at Primitivo Garcia. Bulletin boards like this one remind students that every student can be a leader and every student should be. -
In first grade, students work in small groups like this one with their teacher. These students are playing a sight word game with their teacher. -
These students are practicing spelling on their own while others are using computers in a different learning center. -
Teachers also have designated reading areas in the classrooms where students can select a book and read quietly. -
At Primitivo Garcia, every student all brings their backpack and hangs it in a closet like this one. Their personal items go in the cubby and they are assigned a hook for their bags. -
Flexible seating and collaborative spaces are in every corner at Primitivo Garcia. This one is outside of an upper elementary classroom. Students can go to the hallway with teacher permission and read alone or together. -
All students have access to books in their classrooms. In this 2nd grade classroom, books are organized in baskets with different reading levels so that it is easy for students to select a book that is right for them. -
This flexible seating space in the library was paid for with grant money. Students can check out a book of their choice and find a comfy spot to read. -
Here, Principal Alomenu takes a break from cafeteria duty in the seating area for upper elementary students. With teacher permission, students can work in this area alone or in groups. -
Upper elementary students also have access to this courtyard where they can come and enjoy lunch or where teachers can bring students during the day. -
In the cafeteria, students sit with their classmates during lunch and eat in grade level shifts. As a part of Kansas City Public Schools, all students get free lunch at Primitivo Garcia. -
In upper elementary grades like this 5th grade class, students each have a computer. These are used for learning throughout the day. -
These 4th grade students are playing online learning games after they finished their other work. -
In computer lab, students play games like this one to help them with their reading and math skills. All students go to the computer lab weekly. -
Primitivo Garcia also participates in the Foster Grandparent program. Here is a volunteer waiting for students to get back from recess. -
At recess, upper elementary students like these 6th graders have the chance to run in a large green space and play basketball. -
K-6th grade students also have their own playground separate from the Pre-K area. It is featured here in the upper right corner. -
Colorful bulletin boards decorate the halls at Primitivo Garcia. School staff are sure to take pictures of events and celebrate the fun students and parents have together. -
Student artwork is in every hallway at Primitivo Garcia. Outside of this Pre-K classroom, students have displayed the flowers they made in art class. -
Here upper elementary students show off their work with shape and shadow on a bulletin board outside of the art room. All students go to art weekly. -
A full time nurse is on staff to assist students with any problems and to connect families to healthcare resources. -
Adult generated art like this reminds students to keep their thinking positive throughout the day. -
This bulletin board reminds students to keep a positive attitude and remain leaders in every subject no matter what. -
In music class students work with drums and other musical instruments to explore sound and rhythm. All students go to music class weekly. -
In PE, students improve their gross and fine motor skills through organized sports. All students go to gym weekly. The gym and the auditorium are in the same room. Staff brings chairs into the gym when needed for all-school parent events.
Primitivo Garcia Elementary (PK-6)
School Leader(s)
Rejeanne Alomenu, Principal- NO Tuition
- Availability for 2019-2020
- Transportation provided
- After-Care only
Quick Facts
Our Mission
The mission of Primitivo Garcia Elementary School is that all children demonstrate leadership through self-mastery, ownership of behavior, working with others, and continuous improvement to become productive and successful community members.
Points of Pride
- Our school is a Leader in Me School
- We are also named after Kansas City's first Latin American hero, Primitivo Garcia, who received a Carnegie Hero Medal for giving his life to save his teacher.
- Serving others is a tradition that we carry on in our school.
School Hours
- School Hours: 8:20 am - 3:20 pm
- Days Open: Information not shared with SMKCS
School Details
- Year Established: 1993
- Total Enrollment: 279
- Affiliation: KCPS-Neighborhood
Feeder Schools
- Middle School: Northeast Middle School
- High School: Northeast High School
Tuition
- Tuition: NO Tuition
- Tuition Amount: No tuition
Our Demographics
Receive Special Ed Services
English Language Learners
Programs and Features
Specialized Programs
- N/A
Arts Programs
- N/A
Sports Programs
- Basketball (Boys)
- Basketball (Girls)
- Cheerleading (Girls)
Clubs + Activities
- N/A
Family Engagement
- Evening Family Events
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 4, 2018
- Kindergarten Cutoff: August 31, 2019
- Residence: Students live within Garcia's boundaries in the North Zone
How to Apply
Submit applications online or in person at the Board of Education building, 2901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Applications CANNOT be submitted at the school.
Students are guaranteed a seat at their KCPS neighborhood school.
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 2018, the average English score in Missouri was 49.2%; the average Math score was 42.1%, source
Attendance Rate 90/90
Why It Matters
Schools strive for students to have at least 90% of their students have 90% attendance because kids learn best when they’re IN school.
In 2018, 87.5% 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 2018, the average 3rd grade reading score in Missouri was 48.6%, source
Missouri Annual Performance Report (APR)
Why It Matters
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) creates a “grade” called the Annual Performance Report (APR) for each public school. It is made up of five variables: General Academic Achievement + Subgroup Achievement* + College and Career Readiness + Attendance + Graduation Rate (where applicable).
* Subgroup Achievement: A school shows improvement in performance for students in identified subgroups, including free/reduced price lunch, racial/ethnic background, English language learners, and students with disabilities.
Parent Perspective
Turquoise Templeton, Primitivo Garcia Parent
As the single parent of a 2nd grader, it is important to me that my child is not only excelling at school, but also at life. I want my child to value education, and also learn skills that will allow her to thrive in life. Although we have only been at Primitivo Garcia Elementary for a few short months, it has been a great environment to watch my student learn and grow!
One of the best reasons for choosing Garcia Elementary was the staff. Staff members, such as Principal Alomenu and Parent Liaison, Ms. Boyd, go above and beyond to ensure students have a sense of safety, security, and belonging while attending the school. Parents are encouraged to be an active part of their students’ educational growth through organizations, such as SAC. Through SAC, parents are allowed an opportunity to be involved and knowledgeable on how the school is meeting criteria and guidelines. Other organizations such as LINC, offer parent involvement through events such as Muffins with Moms and reading fairs.
Also, students are offered a variety of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs, such as Junior Achievement, which encourages entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy through experiences. The LINC before and after-school program offers various activities to students whom use the service, including cooking lessons by staff, and art classes through Mattie Rhodes, a local community center. And, if students require additional assistance, services are available such as speech.
I feel Garcia Elementary has been a great choice for my child!