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Kearney Middle School

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Academics at KMS

A teacher speaks to two students in a classroom, near a whiteboard.

Vision

At Kearney Middle School, we treat the middle-grade years as a launchpad, not a layover. Our teachers design learning that is rigorous, relevant and relationship‑driven, giving every Bulldog the skills, habits and confidence to excel at Kearney Junior High and beyond.

Achievement Snapshot

  • MAP Mastery: In the 2023‑24 cycle , the first fully “post‑COVID” benchmark year , 66 % of 6th‑graders and 68 % of 7th‑graders scored Proficient/Advanced in math, while 46 % topped that bar in ELA, outpacing Missouri averages by double‑digit margins.

  • Consistent Excellence: KMS has sat inside Missouri’s top tenth percentile every year since 2019; KMS currently ranks 36th of 451 public middle schools statewide, according to the independent website SchoolDigger.

  • Strong Recovery Trajectory: Even after pandemic disruptions, KMS rebounded to a 2023 Average Standard Score above its 2021 low and remains in the 92nd percentile for overall performance.

What Learning Looks Like

Focus Area What Students Experience
Core Excellence Daily workshop‑style ELA and math blocks that blend direct instruction, small‑group practice, and real‑time feedback.
Exploratory Electives Nine‑week rotations in STEM, design & fabrication, digital media, world languages, and the arts help Bulldogs discover new passions.
Real‑World Learning “Mini‑Missions” Cross‑curricular projects where teams prototype solutions for local businesses or civic partners, building presentation and problem‑solving muscles.
Accelerated Pathways Flexible grouping and compacted curriculum allow advanced learners to reach Algebra I or Honors English by 7th grade.
Targeted Support Daily Bulldog Time plus research‑based interventions in literacy and numeracy ensure every student closes skill gaps before they widen.
Data‑Driven Culture PLC teams meet weekly to analyze common assessments, adjust pacing, and personalize instruction.

Signature Programs & Supports

  • STEM Labs & Robotics: Students code, build, and compete in regional robotics leagues that sharpen computational thinking.

  • Reader’s & Writer’s Workshops: Genre studies, author visits, and choice‑driven reading lists ignite a lifelong love of literacy.

  • Fine‑Arts Excellence: Award‑winning band, choir, and visual‑arts programs blend technique with creative expression and routinely earn 1‑ratings at festival.

  • Student Services: Full‑time counselors, a school psychologist, and a nationally recognized Special Education team keep academic, social‑emotional, and transition plans on track for every learner.

  • Family Partnership: ParentSquare updates, student‑led conferences, and open‑house learning expos invite families into the growth conversation all year long.

Our Commitment

Whether a Bulldog is mastering ratios in math lab, rehearsing for Honor Choir, or presenting a community impact proposal, the promise is the same: meaningful learning, caring relationships and high expectations for every child, every day.