TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION SINCE 1974! Plaza Academy fills a critical gap in Kansas City’s educational landscape, serving students who are left behind by traditional systems. As an nationally and state accredited, nonprofit therapeutic high school, we combine individualized instruction, licensed counseling, and family engagement to help students regain their confidence, earn their diploma, and build a brighter future.

WE TEACH STUDENTS TO BE SELF-MOTIVATED:

• In 1974, founder Gary Seabaugh set out to prove that teaching self-motivation is the best way to educate students. That legacy thrives under Executive Director Ward Worley (Plaza Academy class of 1985).

Students See Immediate Improvement at School and Home:

• NWEA MAP ELA + math scores improvement from fall to spring outperforms the national average.

• 90% increase in attendance from previous school.

• 95% improvement in GPA.

• 96% of families report better dynamics

We Set Up Students to Succeed:

• Fewer than 10 students per class

• Classes grouped by ability, not grade level

• Heavy creative arts curriculum

• Credit recovery available year-round

• Summer school available

Uniquely Skilled Staff for a Unique Student Population:

• Two full-time mental health professionals

• Four certified special education teachers

• 100% of staff is trained in mental health first aid

• 90% teacher retention rate since 2016