Frontier News

Your child's future starts at Frontier Schools! Enrollment is now open for the 2027–2028 school year. Frontier Schools offers a tuition-free, high-quality education with a strong focus on STEM, college readiness, and student success.

Give your child the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive learning environment.

Apply today! The application deadline is February 1, 2027. Don't miss your chance to become part of the Frontier family!

This school year, Frontier Schools proudly celebrates 20 years of serving Kansas City students and families. Throughout the year, we will recognize two decades of student achievement, innovation, and community impact.

Businesses, organizations, and community partners are invited to join our 20th Anniversary Sponsorship Program and help support districtwide programs and special events throughout the year.

Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities in the flyer below.

Frontier Schools is gearing up for its 9th annual KC STEM Fest on Friday, November 20, at the FSI Middle School gymnasium! This exciting event will bring together young innovators from across the district to showcase their creativity, scientific discoveries, and problem-solving skills.

Students will present a variety of projects highlighting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), demonstrating their knowledge through hands-on experiments, innovative designs, and creative solutions to real-world challenges.

KC STEM Fest provides students with an opportunity to explore their interests, build confidence, and share their passion for STEM learning.

We look forward to celebrating another year of discovery, innovation, and student achievement as our talented young scientists and engineers take center stage!

Frontier Schools is proud to welcome Black & McDonald back as the lead corporate sponsor of our 9th Annual KC STEM FEST, taking place on November 20, 2026!

A valued neighbor and longtime community partner, Black & McDonald is an internationally recognized Canadian company specializing in electrical and utility construction, engineering, and maintenance. With more than 6,800 employees across 40 offices in North America, the company continues to make a meaningful impact both locally and internationally.

This partnership is especially significant to Frontier Schools, as two former Frontier students are now Black & McDonald employees after beginning their journeys through mentorship opportunities with the company—a wonderful example of how community partnerships can create pathways from the classroom to successful careers.

We sincerely thank Black & McDonald for its continued generosity and commitment to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders!

We are proud to share that Frontier Schools has been featured in the Missouri Charter Public School Commission's Innovation Insights series in an article titled "Engineering Excellence through Sustainable Systems."

This feature is especially meaningful because it highlights Frontier Schools' effective instructional practices and innovative approaches as examples that can inform and inspire other schools across Missouri.

The article showcases our commitment to academic excellence through strong instructional systems, collaborative curriculum development, teacher coaching, data-driven decision-making, and targeted student interventions.

At Frontier Schools, we believe that strong systems empower great teachers, and great teachers inspire student success.

We are grateful to our dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff whose commitment to continuous improvement makes this recognition possible.

Read the full article: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/innovation-insights-briefs-engineering-excellence

On October 2, Frontier Schools held Parent-Teacher Conferences, providing a valuable opportunity for families and educators to connect, collaborate, and celebrate student progress.

These important conversations allowed parents and teachers to discuss academic achievements, identify areas for growth, and work together to establish goals for continued success. Beyond academics, conferences also provided an opportunity to recognize students' strengths, address concerns, and strengthen the partnerships that support student learning.

At Frontier Schools, we believe that strong relationships between home and school are essential to student success. We sincerely thank our dedicated teachers and families for taking the time to connect and for their continued commitment to helping every student reach their full potential!

On October 9, Frontier Schools dedicated the day to professional development, providing staff with valuable opportunities to strengthen their skills, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches to education.

Campus-based sessions focused on Restorative Classroom Techniques 2.0, equipping educators with strategies to build positive classroom environments, strengthen relationships, and support student success.

At the district level, staff attended the Missouri Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) Conference at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, while others participated in the Educators in Technology Summit at the Kauffman Conference Center.

Regardless of where they spent the day, Frontier educators gained valuable knowledge, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies to bring back to their classrooms and schools. These professional learning opportunities reflect Frontier Schools' ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence.

Frontier Schools is proud to announce that Selim Sekine, a teacher at Frontier STEM High School, has been named a 2026–2027 Outstanding PLTW Teacher in Engineering by Project Lead The Way (PLTW).

This prestigious national recognition honors educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to STEM education and inspire students through innovative, hands-on learning experiences.

Mr. Sekine's achievement reflects his commitment to preparing students for future success in engineering and STEM-related careers. Frontier Schools congratulates him on this well-deserved honor!

View the 2026–2027 PLTW National Award Winners

On October 8, Frontier STEM High School celebrated Hispanic Heritage with a special event honoring the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and meaningful contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

The celebration brought together students, families, staff, and community members for an evening of music, dance, and cultural appreciation. Through lively performances and shared traditions, attendees had the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Hispanic heritage while celebrating the cultures that enrich our school community.

The event highlighted Frontier Schools' commitment to embracing diversity, fostering cultural understanding, and creating an inclusive environment where all students and families feel valued.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this celebration a meaningful experience for our school community!

On October 10, Frontier STEM High School's Rocketry Panthers celebrated World Space Week 2026 with a supervised rocket test launch at Shawnee Mission Park. This year's theme, "Rocket Revolution," provided the perfect opportunity for students to put their STEM skills into action.

During the launch, students gained valuable hands-on experience testing and improving their rockets, evaluating flight performance, and practicing safe launch procedures. The activity also helped prepare the team for upcoming American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) qualification flights while earning additional Launchpad League Miles toward the 2027 competition.

The Rocketry Panthers have already demonstrated outstanding success, earning 4th place nationally in the 2026 ARC Launchpad League among 1,107 teams across the country!

Under the supervision of Mr. Sherimbekov and Mr. Acar, students conducted the launch following National Association of Rocketry (NAR) safety guidelines.

Congratulations to the Rocketry Panthers and their dedicated coaches for continuing to reach new heights in STEM education!

Frontier Schools students recently attended the Missouri HOSA Fall Leadership Conference, where they explored exciting career opportunities in healthcare while strengthening their leadership skills.

Throughout the conference, students participated in engaging activities, gained valuable insights into the healthcare industry, and connected classroom learning to real-world career possibilities. The experience encouraged students to think about their future goals while building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.

The conference was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn, grow, and discover new possibilities for their futures!

Frontier STEM High School students had the opportunity to enjoy three days of outdoor adventures, team-building activities, and personal growth during the 2026 Fall Camp, held October 15–17.

Students participated in a variety of exciting activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, campfire gatherings, and team-building challenges. The experience encouraged students to develop leadership skills, build friendships, strengthen teamwork, and create lasting memories outside the classroom.

The boys attended Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in La Cygne, Kansas, while the girls enjoyed their camp experience at Wilderness Camping and Retreat Center in Lawson, Missouri.

Frontier Schools is proud to offer opportunities like Fall Camp that extend learning beyond the classroom, encourage personal development, and help students build meaningful connections with their peers.

A special thank-you goes to the teachers and chaperones who helped make this experience possible!

Frontier School of Innovation–Middle (FSI-M) recently welcomed visitors from the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) program, earning exceptional praise for its innovative teaching practices. VILS representatives described the experience as one of the best school tours they have seen in more than 10 years!

Visitors were impressed by the authentic classroom environments, purposeful use of technology, and opportunities for student creativity, collaboration, and independent learning. They also praised the school's thoughtful balance of traditional instruction and technology, along with the leadership demonstrated by FSI-M's student Tech Team.

Special recognition went to Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Stephenson, Ms. Juitt, Ms. Le, Ms. McCarroll, Ms. Basdas, and Ms. Sekine for their innovative teaching practices.

Congratulations to the entire FSI-M team for this outstanding recognition and their continued commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences for students!

Three Frontier Schools students—Zoe L., Marlene G., and Ian T.—recently volunteered at Missouri Hope, an annual emergency response training exercise hosted by Northwest Missouri State University.

During the three-day event, students served as role players in realistic disaster scenarios, helping emergency responders practice critical lifesaving skills. The training included simulated mass casualty incidents, high-angle rescues, and water rescue operations. Students had the unique opportunity to work alongside first responders, emergency management professionals, and National Guard personnel.

This hands-on experience provided valuable insight into emergency response careers while allowing students to make a meaningful contribution to an important training initiative.

Congratulations to Zoe, Marlene, and Ian for generously volunteering their time and representing Frontier Schools with pride!

Frontier Schools' Technology Student Association (TSA) students recently attended the 2026 Missouri TSA Fall Leadership Conference, held October 25–26 at the University of Central Missouri.

During the two-day event, students participated in engaging workshops focused on leadership, communication, portfolio development, fundraising, and TSA programs. The conference also provided opportunities to connect with students from other schools, exchange ideas, and develop valuable skills for future success.

Congratulations to our TSA students for successfully completing all conference requirements and earning their Fall Leadership certificates!

A special thank-you to TSA Chapter Advisor Mr. K and Mrs. Cora for their dedication to supporting and guiding our students throughout this rewarding experience!

On October 21, representatives from Bayer visited Frontier Schools' fourth-grade students for an exciting, hands-on STEM activity featuring Alka-Rockets! Using small bottles, water, and Alka-Seltzer tablets, students created chemical reactions that launched their rockets into the air. Students then competed to see whose rocket could travel the farthest.

The activity brought science to life through friendly competition, plenty of laughter, and valuable hands-on learning. A special thank-you to Bayer for providing our students with this fun and engaging STEM experience!

At Frontier Schools, the health and well-being of our staff are a priority! As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting a healthy workplace, the district hosted staff vaccine clinics on October 23, making it convenient for employees to access important immunizations.

Two clinics were offered to accommodate staff across the district. The morning clinic was held at Central Office, serving employees from the North campuses and Central Office, while an afternoon clinic was hosted at Frontier School of Excellence.

Staff had access to several vaccinations, including influenza, COVID-19, Tdap, RSV, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines.

By bringing these healthcare services directly to our campuses, Frontier Schools continues to demonstrate its commitment to employee wellness, helping our dedicated staff stay healthy and focused on what matters most—educating and supporting our students!

Frontier STEM High School recognized its outstanding student leaders during the National Honor Society (NHS) Induction Ceremony on October 29th.

The special occasion honored students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character. Surrounded by proud family members, friends, and staff, the newest inductees were welcomed into this prestigious organization in recognition of their achievements and dedication to serving others.

Congratulations to our newest NHS members! We look forward to seeing their continued success and the positive impact they will make throughout their school and community.

Frontier Schools' Central Office transformed into a Halloween wonderland on October 30 as students gathered for the annual Spooktacular Stroll celebration!

Students from FSI Elementary and fourth and fifth graders from FSI Middle arrived in colorful costumes, ready for an afternoon of Halloween fun. As they made their way through Central Office, they visited festive treat stations where staff handed out candy, stickers, pencils, educational toys, and other surprises.

From creative costumes to smiling faces and bags filled with goodies, the celebration was full of excitement! This cherished Frontier tradition continues to bring students and staff together for a memorable Halloween experience.

On October 23, Frontier School of Innovation Elementary (FSI-E) welcomed students and families for a fun-filled Trunk-or-Treat celebration! Staff showcased their creativity with an impressive variety of decorated car trunks, creating a festive atmosphere filled with excitement, laughter, and plenty of candy!

Students enjoyed going from trunk to trunk, collecting sweet treats and admiring the colorful decorations. The event was a wonderful opportunity for families and staff to come together, celebrate the season, and strengthen school community connections.

A big thank-you to everyone who helped make this event such a memorable experience for our students and families!

On October 28, Frontier School of Excellence (FSE) welcomed students and families for a festive Trunk-or-Treat celebration! Staff went all out decorating their car trunks with creative themes and filling them with plenty of candy for students to enjoy.

In addition to trick-or-treating, families enjoyed a variety of fun games and activities, creating an evening filled with laughter, excitement, and school spirit.

The event was a wonderful success, with a great turnout from the FSE community! A special thank-you to our dedicated staff for their creativity and enthusiasm in making this a memorable experience for our students and families!

On October 30, Frontier STEM High School (FSHS) welcomed students and families for its Panther Family Fall Festival, an evening filled with fun, laughter, and school spirit!

Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including sports, ring toss, pumpkin painting, games, and plenty of delicious snacks. The festive atmosphere provided a wonderful opportunity for students, families, and staff to connect and enjoy time together outside the classroom.

The event was a great way to celebrate the fall season while strengthening the sense of community that makes Frontier Schools special. A big thank-you to everyone who helped make the evening such a fun and memorable experience!

October 26–30 was filled with school spirit, creativity, and an important message as all Frontier Schools campuses celebrated Red Ribbon Week! This year's national theme, "Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free!" encouraged students to make healthy choices and commit to living drug-free lives.

Throughout the week, students and staff participated in a variety of fun activities, including door decorating contests and themed dress-up days. From sporting their favorite team apparel and wearing pajamas to showing off crazy hair, hats, and socks, students embraced the festivities while promoting a positive message.

Red Ribbon Week was a wonderful opportunity to bring our school communities together, reinforce the importance of making healthy decisions, and remind students that their future is worth staying drug-free!

The Parent Academy is a FREE, district-wide initiative that strives to open the lines of communication between home and school by connecting parents to the resources and information needed to support their child's education.

Throughout the year, all campuses will host several Parent Academy events that will consist of educational and inspirational sessions covering a wide variety of topics; including, Conscious Discipline at Home, College Prep and Financial Aid, FAFSA, NWEA, etc.

October 20: Pastries with Parents (Kindergarten -1st grade)

October 22: Pastries with Parents (2nd & 3rd grade)

Throughout the school year, students from Frontier School of Excellence, Frontier STEM High School, and Frontier School of Innovation–Middle have opportunities to explore their options for higher education through college visits and presentations.

These experiences give students the opportunity to learn more about academic programs, campus life, admissions requirements, financial aid, scholarships, and the college application process. By connecting directly with colleges and universities, students can ask questions, explore their interests, and begin making informed decisions about their futures.

These opportunities are an important part of Frontier Schools’ commitment to helping students prepare for college, career, and beyond.

• October 15th: FSE seniors visit UMKC
• October 22nd: FSHS sophomores visit MWSU
• October 29th: UMKC visits seniors at FSHS
  
  

Frontier Schools offers students many opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with their peers through a wide variety of after-school clubs.

Students can choose from clubs such as Advanced Research, Gateway Readers, Girls on the Run, HOSA, Writer’s Workshop, Math, Fishing, Cooking, I.T., Kindness, Arts & Crafts, Video Game Design, Chess, Fitness, Environmental Club, and many more!

Featured This Month:

Girls on the Run Club at FSI-Elem & FSI-Middle (3rd and 4th grade)

Since the start of the 2026–27 school year, our dedicated teachers and staff have completed an impressive 252 student visits across 150 homes!

Home visits are an important part of building strong, meaningful partnerships between our schools and families. By connecting with students and families in their home environments, our staff gain valuable insight, strengthen relationships, bridge cultural gaps, and build the trust that helps students thrive.

A BIG SHOUT-OUT to our amazing teachers and staff! Thank you for going above and beyond to connect with our families and support our students. Your dedication makes a difference!

Discover rewarding careers at Frontier Schools. Join our passionate team in fostering student success with competitive pay and benefits!

Click here to explore our career opportunities now!

Email: fsi@frontierschools.org
Location: 6700 Corporate Drive, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 363-1907
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierschoolofinnovation

Email: fsi@frontierschools.org
Location: 1575 Universal Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 241-6202
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierschoolofinnovation

Email: infostem@frontierschools.org
Location: 6455 East Commerce Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 541-8200
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierstemhighschool

Email: fse@frontierschools.org
Location: 5605 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 822-1331
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierschoolofexcellence

Website: frontierschools.org
Location: 6800 Corporate Drive, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 982-4052
Facebook: facebook.com/frontierschools
Twitter: @frontierschools