Kairos Academies

?? Kairos student in the news! ?? We are so proud of Kairos junior Ashanti Nurse as she continues to pursue her goal of becoming a cardiac surgeon! A couple of things stand out to us about her journey: 1?? Ashanti sets clear goals and makes concrete plans to pursue them. After all, "a goal without a plan is just a wish." 2?? Ashanti used her connections from Next Prep at Kairos to find the internships and professionals who could help support her career journey. Never shy away from asking for help and advocating for your needs. 3?? No achievement is complete without the people in our lives who push us to be our best. We want to send a special shoutout to Ashanti's mom, Alexis, and her Kairos mentor, Ms. Brianna Willis. Ashanti's journey is a testament to what happens when young people are empowered to set ambitious goals and take control of their lives and learning. Watch out St. Louis, we have many more Krakens who are preparing to graduate and tackle the world's challenges head on! https://lnkd.in/dgSVfWvs #IChoseKairos #KairosAcademies #stlmade #stlouis #stl #careerplans #internship #goals

?? Tune In Now! ?? A brand new episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast is ??LIVE?? with Khalil Graham, CEO of Kairos Academies! Today's conversation is all about: - The role of accountability and executive function in preparing the next generation - How Kairos Academies is impacting families and communities economically - The importance of student feedback in reshaping education systems - Innovation in education to develop better choice-makers - The challenges and future of education in a technology-driven world ...and so much more! Huge thanks to Khalil Graham for coming on the show! You can find the full conversation down in the comments. #practicaloptimism #educationinnovation #communityreform #economicempowerment #studentadvocacy #personalizedlearning #futureofeducation #socialimpact #educationleadership

?? Ashanti Nurse is already shaping her future with purpose and determination. "My interests are to be a cardiac surgeon when I graduate high school... maybe Ivy League." Ashanti, like hundreds of Kairos students, is part of?Next Prep—a four-year journey of career exploration and professional skill building. It’s designed to empower students to pursue their life, education, and income goals. For Ashanti, this program has been a game-changer: ?????? She’s earned?80+ clinical hours?as a junior! ?? And she’s?one of only 10?students nationwide selected for the?National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' Rising Leaders Class of 2024-2025. At Kairos Academies, we turn ambition into action. Want to see how we inspire students to become confident, self-directed leaders??Join us?at our next Open House and explore how Kairos can shape your journey. #StudentSuccess #KairosAcademies #NextPrep #EducationInnovation #RisingLeaders https://lnkd.in/gNDeyHJr

We are thrilled to announce that Kairos Academies has been featured in the latest NewSchools report,?"Building Better Schools: A Proven Blueprint for Success."?The report highlights innovative schools across the nation that are transforming education, emphasizing visionary leadership, nurturing relationships, effective implementation, and continuous improvement—core principles we proudly uphold at Kairos. Being included in this prestigious study underscores our commitment to creating an equitable and supportive learning environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth for EVERY students. We look forward to continuing this vital work! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gDcT4J9x

We are thrilled to recognize Maddi Hausdorf as the Kairos Academies High School Teacher of the Year for 2023-24! Of course Maddi–our performing arts teacher–has a flair for the dramatic. But she's also obsessed with bringing love and excellence to her classroom. Maddi has challenged our students to reach new heights through standout performances like A Doll's House and She Kill's Monsters. She even led to the creation of Kairos' very own chapter of the International Thespian society! Congratulations Maddi–thank you for opening up new opportunities for our students to shine both on AND off stage! Kairos Academies are free public schools where students are empowered to direct their own lives and learning. With 1:1 support from a mentor and classes full of relevant hands-on projects–Kairos students enter the world ready to thrive in whichever path they choose! Learn more about a free Kairos education at www.kairosacademies.org. #IChoseKairos #KairosAcademies #stlschools #stlmade #teacheroftheyear #theatrelife

We are beyond excited to recognize Mx. Lauren Wood as our Kairos Academies Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2023-24! ???? In just one year, Mx. Wood has built a middle school band program from scratch, and the results have been nothing short of amazing. From rallying support through fundraising and instrument donations to putting on multiple concerts, Mx. Wood's commitment to both excellence and agency really shine through! Mx. Wood's success is a testament to the power of setting goals and following through. Congratulations Mx. Wood and thank you for all you do to build our students' confidence, capacity, and creativity! ?? At Kairos Academies, students work 1:1 with their personal mentor to practice setting goals, prioritizing their work, and directing their own learning. See how you can build student agency and challenge students to advocate for their lives and learning at www.kairosacademies.org. . #IChoseKairos #KairosAcademies #stlmade #teacheroftheyear

Hands-on learning & exploring education through a different lens are just a couple of reasons why Kairos Academies science teacher Jason Kennedy ?????????????? ???? ?????????? ???? ?? ?????????????? ?????????????? ?? ?? #chartereducation #charterschools #mocharterswork #backtoschool #moleg

Every year we celebrate our staff who go above and beyond to reflect our Kairos Core Values of Love, Excellence, Agency and Diversity. Our values aren't just words on the wall–they're the combination of our actions, relationships, and results. ?? Love - Karie Handley, HS Manager of Student Experience. "Karie is through and through one of the most caring people on staff. From the first day I joined, she made sure I felt welcome and cared for on the team. Even before I took over as HS Principal, Karie was making sure that I knew the staff had my back. Her love translates to every single member of the team and her value cannot be overstated." (Adaure Nduka, HS Principal) ?? Excellence - LaToya Stewart, MS SPED Teacher. "LaToya always does what is necessary for the success of all of our scholars–even though she is part of the NDL (SPED) team. LaToya comes in day after day and gives 110% where she is needed, no matter how difficult the previous day was. She advocates for change for the betterment of our staff and scholars." (Allyson Anthony, MS Instructional Director). ?? Agency - Jason A. Kennedy, MS Science Teacher. "Making a career change is a difficult decision–trusting someone's vision and leadership is an even riskier choice. Jason not only believes in Kairos but has become a key member of the KAMS team. When he saw a gap, he took the steps to adopt curriculum and practices to ensure scholar success–not just for his grade, but for the entire subject at school–producing some of the highest scores in Missouri! Jason redefined the standard for Agency and continues to set the bar high." (Allyson Anthony, MS Instructional Director). ?? Diversity - Tommie Traylor, Director of Talent. "When I think of Diversity, Traylor comes to mind immediately. He is constantly thinking about diversity across a multitude of dimensions. Traylor constantly pushes our team to think more holistically about diversity and experience." (Bennie Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer).

Kairos Academies students are taking charge of their lives and learning–and America is taking notice! ?? ???? Ashanti Nurse, an 11th grade student at Kairos Academies High School, has been selected as one of only ten students nationwide to participate in the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' Rising Leaders Initiative. In an environment where adults, not students, are dominating the conversation around education, this prestigious one-year program equips charter high school students with the skills and knowledge to advocate for meaningful change in education policy. ?????? Ashanti is an aspiring cardiac surgeon who has already gained over 80 clinical hours as a junior in the pursuit of her dreams. She is a passionate and determined young leader excited to learn about advocacy and pair it with her future career. Outside of academics, she is well-rounded and fills her time with volleyball and volunteering. We are so proud of you Ashanti for taking charge of your education and your future! Keep up the incredible work! #IChoseKairos #KairosAcademies #studentleadership #stlmade #stlouis Missouri Charter Public School Association Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Every year we celebrate our staff who go above and beyond to reflect our Kairos Core Values of Love, Excellence, Agency and Diversity. Our values aren't just words on the wall–they're the combination of our actions, relationships, and results. ?? Love - Karie Handley, HS Manager of Student Experience. "Karie is through and through one of the most caring people on staff. From the first day I joined, she made sure I felt welcome and cared for on the team. Even before I took over as HS Principal, Karie was making sure that I knew the staff had my back. Her love translates to every single member of the team and her value cannot be overstated." (Adaure Nduka, HS Principal) ?? Excellence - LaToya Stewart, MS SPED Teacher. "LaToya always does what is necessary for the success of all of our scholars–even though she is part of the NDL (SPED) team. LaToya comes in day after day and gives 110% where she is needed, no matter how difficult the previous day was. She advocates for change for the betterment of our staff and scholars." (Allyson Anthony, MS Instructional Director). ?? Agency - Jason A. Kennedy, MS Science Teacher. "Making a career change is a difficult decision–trusting someone's vision and leadership is an even riskier choice. Jason not only believes in Kairos but has become a key member of the KAMS team. When he saw a gap, he took the steps to adopt curriculum and practices to ensure scholar success–not just for his grade, but for the entire subject at school–producing some of the highest scores in Missouri! Jason redefined the standard for Agency and continues to set the bar high." (Allyson Anthony, MS Instructional Director). ?? Diversity - Tommie Traylor, Director of Talent. "When I think of Diversity, Traylor comes to mind immediately. He is constantly thinking about diversity across a multitude of dimensions. Traylor constantly pushes our team to think more holistically about diversity and experience." (Bennie Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer).