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Trailwoods Elementary is a K-5th grade public neighborhood school in Kansas City Public Schools. Students at Trailwoods wear uniforms daily. These consist of khaki or navy bottoms and white or navy tops. Students are dropped off by parents or are bussed to school daily. -
Leah Starr has been the principal at Trailwoods for several years. She believes that each student is a leader and that parents are vital to school success. Under her leadership, Trailwoods has a student leadership program and a parent leadership program as well. -
Each morning students are able to come to the cafeteria and get breakfast before going to class. As a part of Kansas City Public Schools, breakfast and lunch are served free daily to all students at Trailwoods Elementary. -
Each morning, the front office at Trailwoods is a busy place. Students and parents are greeted by Ms. Barney before students head off to class -
In the hallways, Principal Starr reminds students that they are leaders with banners hung from the ceilings and murals painted on the walls. -
In Kindergarten, these students review their learning about shapes with a fun video at the carpet while other students finish their breakfast. -
In this Kindergarten room, students complete a musical review their alphabet on the carpet -
Trailwoods Kindergarteners sometimes need support with language acquisition. Here, school support staff works with students who have English as their second language. -
In class, students have reading areas like this one where they can select a book to read. They also are assigned hooks to hang up their bags and coats. -
All classes have books available in the library and students also go to the library once each week to get new books. The library has comfortable seating, natural lighting, and a large selection of books for students to choose from -
In first grade, these students take a brain break at the beginning of class before they begin work in iSparks lab. iSparks class teaches students 21st century skills like coding, making, and design (note the containers with materials on the able to the left). All students go to iSparks class once each week. -
These first grade students are walking down the hall with their teacher. All students are careful to keep to the right side of the hallway and remain in a line. When students show leadership traits their teachers nominate them as Leaders of the Month and they are recognized by Principal Starr. -
Collaborative spaces like this one are common at Trailwoods. Students can get a book and read alone or with school support staff. -
Students also have hallway reading nooks like this one that is designed to feel more like a treehouse. -
In second grade, students are working online to build their vocabulary. At Trailwoods, all students have access to technology when they need it. -
In this second grade classroom, some students are reading independently while others are completing a math assignment given by their teacher on the board. Students have the option to use flexible seating in class as well. -
In third grade, students are reading along with their teacher. Here she is passing out reading guides for them to complete as they go. -
In another third grade classroom, students are playing a language arts game with their peers on the carpet. -
In fifth grade, students are working in table groups to complete math practice online. While students work independently, their teacher meets with them one on one at her desk to provide support. -
In this fifth grade classroom, students are reading books online. Principal Starr really pushes teachers to equip students with 21st century skills. As they get older, more of their work involves using computer skills. -
In the hallway, students can share their love of learning with one another. Here, students have drawn pictures of their favorite places to read and write. -
Students also are constantly reminded of the leadership habits they are learning in school. This mural lists each habit and students created puzzle pieces showing how all of the habits fit together to create a great student leader. -
In sixth grade, these students are getting ready to complete a review of the previous day’s learning. Notice that students in this classroom can use standing desks and flexible seating. -
In this sixth grade classroom, students are completing a STEM challenge with their teacher. -
In upper grades, students are assigned lockers to hold their belongings. This is done to prepare them for the transition to middle school. -
Upper elementary students are also able to take advantage of collaborative spaces like these. Here school support staff has pulled a group of students to help with their academic support needs. -
Student learning and leadership are featured throughout Trailwoods Elementary. Here, a mural made entirely of student art projects is featured prominently in the downstairs entryway. Students go to art class once each week. -
The gym at Trailwoods is a multi-purpose space. It also serves as a gathering place for students and families. All students go to gym class weekly. -
In music class, students are exposed to a variety of instrumental and vocal music genres. All students go to music class weekly. -
Outside, students have a playground that all use during recess. -
Students also have a large green space to run and play during outdoor recess.
Trailwoods Elementary (K-6)
School Leader(s)
Leah Starr, Principal- NO Tuition
- Availability for 2019-2020
- Transportation provided
- Before and After-Care Available
Quick Facts
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that each student reaches his or her fullest potential. We will meet each student's individual academic and social needs and provide educational experiences utilizing technology. We do this as a collaborative community to foster a safe and nurturing learning environment.
Points of Pride
- Trailwoods is a fully accredited elementary school earning 100% of the APR points as awarded by the MO DESE.
- Leader in Me School. Working together to develop the leader in all students.
- Trailwoods Elementary is a comprehensive elementary school offering support to the total child and family through a comprehensive support network.
School Hours
- School Hours: 8:20 am - 3:20 pm
- Before Care Hours Start: 7:00 am
- After Care Hours End: 6:00 pm
School Details
- Year Established: Information not shared with SMKCS
- Total Enrollment: 368
- Affiliation: KCPS-Neighborhood
Feeder Schools
- Middle School: Northeast Middle School
- High School: East High School
Tuition
- Tuition: NO Tuition
Our Demographics
Receive Special Ed Services
English Language Learners
Programs and Features
Specialized Programs
- N/A
Arts Programs
- N/A
Sports Programs
- Soccer (Boys)
- Soccer (Girls)
Clubs + Activities
- Coding
- Student Government
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 5, 2019
- Kindergarten Cutoff: August 31, 2019
- Residence: Students live within Trailwoods's boundaries in the East 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 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 for students to have at least 90% of their students have 90% attendance 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
Parent Perspective
Mayra Hernandez, Trailwoods Parent
There is no school in Kansas City like Trailwoods Elementary. I have two students there: a first grader and a fourth grader. I used to have a sixth grader at Trailwoods, but he is now at Lincoln. For the last four years, the community within Trailwoods has educated and loved my children. When my family and I first moved to Kansas City I enrolled all my children there because it was the neighborhood school and could provide buses for my kids. I quickly discovered that the school was much more. The teachers truly care about my kids and my kids want to go to school.
That first year here I needed a job and applied to work at LINC. Working here has allowed me to see just how friendly, knowledgeable, and caring the teachers are. The administration knows me by name and talks to me about my children. As a bilingual parent at a mostly English language learning (ELL) school I do a lot of translating between parents and staff. Through the meetings, phone calls, and letters I translate I am able to see how committed everyone in the building is to helping all students succeed.
Trailwoods is a unique place because they are a Leader in Me school. As Trailwoods has embraced The Leader in Me, I have had the opportunity to become more involved in the school community and work alongside other parents to support and take ownership of the school. We have worked together; parents, staff, and students to paint the hallways and create an inviting environment. Trailwoods has brought out the best in my children and helped make them smart, happy, and great leaders.