City School Fair at Downtown Library

The Downtown Central Library at 14 W. 10th St. is hosting the four annual City School Fair this Saturday, a chance for city families to learn about the full range of educational opportunities for their children.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature 62 schools representing all the city’s options: Kansas City Public Schools, charter schools, faith-based schools, and private and independent schools within the KC school district boundaries.

It’s co-sponsored by Show Me KC Schools, the KC Public Library and the mayor’s office. Mayor Quinton Lucas is scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m. on the topic of the education landscape in Kansas City.

“Navigating the school options can be overwhelming,” Tricia Johnson, executive director of Show Me KC Schools, said in a statement.

“The City School Fair gives families the opportunity to learn about Kansas City’s many elementary, middle and high schools through one-on-one conversations with school administrators, parents and student representatives.”

The event also will feature student performances, free food, facing painting and kindergarten readiness screening, according to a press release.

A parent at last year’s City School Fair learns about what schools’ had to offer for her children. (Photo courtesy Show Me KC Schools)

“Partners from Kid’s Sight, Start at Zero, Ability KC and MO First Steps will help parents understand what their child needs to be ready for kindergarten,” said Nicole Pursley, spokesperson for Show Me KC Schools.

“The KC Public Library has also put together fun, interactive stations to demonstrate how parents can help further develop the skills children will need to be ready for kindergarten.”

Families also will be able to apply to the 16 schools currently participating in SchoolAppKC, a platform that allows families to apply to multiple schools with one simple and quick application, according to the release.

Schools participating in the City School Fair can be found here.

Free parking is available in the Library Parking Garage at 10th and Baltimore. The library also is a half block from the Library streetcar stop at Ninth and Main.