District Info

About Us

In 1903, eight independent elementary schools consolidated in order to provide the best education for their community and more than 116 years later, Raytown Quality Schools continuously renews its vision for quality education during an ever exciting time of growth and change. Staff and families challenge students to strive to reach their academic and social potential, and the district helps provide the programs they need to succeed. Raytown is a fully accredited district by both state and national standards.

Throughout the Raytown community, residents have come to “Expect the Exceptional” in both student and staff performance, and they continue a strong tradition of community support. 

Raytown Quality Schools has programs that reflect the community’s commitment to education at any age.  From early childhood to adult education, nearly everyone can find an exceptional program of interest and value.

In April 2019, voters approved the Strong Bonds, Bright Futures no tax increase bond issue. Strong Bonds, Bright Futures projects are based in safety and security, enhanced learning environments, and upgrades and repairs. Strong Bonds, Bright Futures projects began in the summer of 2019.

Our students are driven, high-achieving and keep the quest for excellence alive and well in Raytown. The district is also home to the 2018 National ProStart Culinary Arts Champions and the 2019 National ProStart Culinary Arts second place team. Culinary students will train in the state-of-the-art Herndon Career Center Culinary Institute. The institute is home to the student-run restaurant, Cinder. The ribbon cutting for the institute took place in the spring of 2021. The Herndon Career Center Culinary Institute and Cinder are Strong Bonds, Bright Futures projects.

Several prestigious local, state, and national designations have been awarded to the district for wellness including the Healthiest Employer in Kansas City award, the Edington CBIZ Next Practice Award for Workplace Wellbeing, and 100 Healthiest Employers to name a few.

The Quality Care Clinic and Raytown Schools Wellness Center opened during the 2015 - 16 school year. District employees use the Clinic and Wellness Center free of charge. Since the opening of the Raytown Schools Quality Care Clinic, the district has experienced a return on investment of over $2.6 million, which equates to $1.60 avoided for every $1 spent. Employees have saved an estimated $543,000 in out-of-pocket expenses by utilizing the Clinic.

The district’s commitment to keeping students and staff safe can be witnessed through the construction of guided entries in buildings, installation of the Barracuda Intruder Defense system and the use of Raptor, a visitor monitoring system, which checks in visitors to the school by scanning a valid state ID and obtaining a background check almost immediately.

The district boasts a robust 1 to 1 device program with support for students of all ages. Thanks to a unique partnership with the Raytown Educational Foundation, the class of 2019 was the first graduating class to take their devices with them after graduation. The district is also recipient of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Trusted Learning Environment Seal, recognizing the District’s commitment to ensuring the privacy and security of student data, and Common Sense Media certification for taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to use the digital media to explore, create, connect, and learn.

One of the hallmarks of the district’s quality is its ability to offer specialized programs designed to meet a variety of student needs.  Advanced programs offered by the District gives students the opportunity to earn college credits and spend less time and money in college. Herndon Career Center prepares students for immediate employment after graduation or a head start on college hours. The Southland Center of Advanced Professional Studies (Southland CAPS) program offers five different strands of learning opportunities for students, Animal Health Sciences (taught at the Kansas City Zoo), Business Innovation and Creation, Education Exploration, Technology Solutions, and Turf Management and Horticulture. Students work with industry partners learning more about problem-solving and meeting deadlines.

Raytown Success Academy ensures that students struggling in conventional classroom situations receive other opportunities for success.  Complete special education services are available to students requiring these programs, with many spending time in the regular education classroom setting. Additionally, Northwood School serves students with severe disabilities who live within the district's attendance boundaries.

In an effort to continue to offer quality educational programming for students at all levels, the district has embarked on several program additions and revisions to better serve the youngest learners in Raytown. New Trails Early Learning Center and Three Trails Preschool house a free half-day preschool program open to all 4 year-olds in Raytown. 

The district is also known for its quality support systems for teachers both new to the profession and experienced. Extensive staff development with a research base is prevalent throughout all academic areas. Collaboration among educators, parents, and others who live and work in the district boundaries, has created a sense of community, with the common goal being student success. 

Raytown has a small town feel with its welcoming and safe environment. Those who have attended Raytown Quality Schools or sent their children to the schools remain its best supporters.

Schools: Ten elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, one alternative school, early childhood services, a school for students with severe disabilities, and a vocational school serving six districts.