Since 2003, IFF has been a leader in studying the distribution of performing schools in urban school districts, using its distinct methodology to publish reports and spur educational reform in Chicago, St. Louis, Denver, and Milwaukee.

Putting Performance on the Map: Locating Quality Schools in the Kansas City, Missouri School District, funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation,  analyzes performance, location, and enrollment at Kansas City, Missouri School District (KCMSD) and charter schools during the 2008-2009 school year.  The report also analyzes the District's "Transforming the KCMSD" plan as it impacts the data collected by IFF in the preparation of the report.

Putting Performance on the Map identifies the five zip code areas in Kansas City with the greatest need for performing schools as determined by comparing current school enrollment, the school-age population, and school performance across the district.  Ultimately, we find that 85 percent of KCMSD students do not attend a school that meets Missouri state standards for academic performance, and that the majority of those student reside in just five KCMSD neighborhood areas.

You can read the full report, along with our studies on urban school districts, early care and education, and nonprofit management at our Reports Archive.  For a brief overview of our report and to share our findings with others, please refer to our press release or our presentation.  The Kansas City Star covered the release of the report  with both an article and an editorial.

Kansas City, Missouri residents, KCMSD administrators, charter school sponsors, city leaders, and school reform stakeholders can learn specific information about schools in the top five zip codes by referring to the customized maps below. 

For more information on this and other IFF reports, contact Jose Cerda III, Vice President of Public Policy and Communications at 312 629 0060.

Top Five Zip Code Profiles

64128

64127

64130

64110

64124