Education Hasn't Changed in Over 100 Years
...until Now
Imagine a school where your child is in the driver’s seat, steering their own learning journey. That’s Kairos Academies–free, award-winning public schools built around helping your child thrive in the 21st Century. At Kairos, learning isn’t just a checklist–we develop students into architects of their own lives–equipped with the tools to follow their passions, take on the world’s challenges, and grow into confident, self-directed leaders. Sounds different? That’s because we are!
“Kudos to the staff and faculty for their commitment to creating an inclusive, progressive, innovative, and successful learning environment for the kids.”
Carly, Kairos Parent
A Totally Unique Experience
Personalized Learning
With a laptop connected to the internet of resources, your student can access the tools and materials that work best for their unique learning needs. A parent account allows you to follow along with their coursework and view teacher feedback.
Student Ownership
At Kairos, we’re all about putting your student in the driver’s seat of their own education. With personalized support from teachers and mentors, your student will practice making decisions that shape their academic and personal goals. As they prove themselves, your student will earn even more flexibility and choice–learning to advocate for themselves and create the future they envision.
One-on-One Mentoring
At Kairos, mentoring is more than just support—it’s the heart of what makes our students thrive. Every Kairos student teams up with a personal mentor who guides them through both their academic journey and personal growth. This one-on-one connection helps your student understand how their choices shape their future.
Diverse-by-Design
At Kairos, we’re all about creating an inclusive community where your student feels like family. We bring students from all walks of life together, encouraging them to connect, share, and appreciate diverse perspectives. This isn’t just about academics; it’s about shaping your student into a well-rounded leader who knows who they are, understands others, and is ready to make an impact.
Year-Round Education
At Kairos, we keep your student’s momentum going strong with short, focused learning cycles from August through June, paired with well-timed breaks. These breaks are the perfect time for your student to recharge while our teachers review their progress, update your family, and fine-tune our teaching to keep your student on track. View our school year calendar
Award-Winning Results
Ranked #3 Charter Middle School in Missouri - 2023
U.S. News & World Report
2022 SLU PRiME Growth
Award Winner
for beating the odds in
student growth
A Personalized Journey Built Around Your Student
At Kairos Academies, we don’t just prepare your student for tests—we prepare them for life! Every grade level is designed to build the academic, emotional, and career skills that prepare your student to step confidently toward independence. Your student’s Kairos journey is as unique as they are. Your student is paired with a dedicated mentor, who helps guide their unique path through three dynamic learning streams:
Academic
Your student’s coursework lives in Gradient Learning, where they have access to up-to-date, relevant materials that adapt to their unique needs and learning style. You can track your student’s progress in real time, view assignments, and stay looped in on teacher feedback with your very own Gradient account.
Character
Kairos uses the Valor Compass framework to help your student uncover who they are and how they fit into the world around them. Through weekly activities with their mentor, your student will learn how to build meaningful connections with others and use their choices make a positive impact on their community.
Career
Next Prep prepares your student for whatever their future holds. This isn’t a skills test–this is a life-altering journey over four years of high school. Your student will explore colleges and job sites, practice professional skills, and even earn college credits and internships aligned with their life goals. Explore Next Prep
Grades 5-6: Learning to Navigate School and Self
At Kairos, 5th and 6th graders get a smooth introduction to middle school life. With fewer class transitions and extra support, your student will have the space to settle in and start exploring who they are. In Compass Circles, 5th graders dive into self-discovery, setting personal goals and learning to grow. By 6th grade, your student is taking those reflections deeper, beginning to explore their inner world and their potential.
Grades 7-8: New Choices and Responsibilities
As their schedules fill up with core classes and electives, 7th and 8th graders step into more independence. For those ready to take on a challenge, an accelerated track in 8th grade sets them up for advanced high school courses. In Compass Circles, 7th graders learn to recognize their role in the community and begin taking responsibility for their actions. By 8th grade, your student isn't just learning about impact—they’re actively shaping their community in intentional ways.
Grades 9-10: Plotting Their Path to Life and Leadership
High school opens up a new world of possibilities! 9th and 10th graders navigate GPAs, transcripts, and class rankings, understanding how their choices impact their future. From 10th grade on, your student can pursue AP and dual enrollment courses that set them on the path to college. In Next Prep, 9th graders start exploring careers and educational paths that match their values and interests, while 10th graders sharpen professional skills and visit leading employers. In Compass Circles, your student will begin discovering what it truly means to lead—in school and beyond.
Grades 11-12: Ready to Pursue a Life of Purpose
By junior and senior year, your Kairos student is setting their future plans into motion. Whether through paid internships, industry certifications, or networking with professionals, Next Prep will empower your student to take real steps toward their life and career goals. With their college and career counselor by their side, your student will finalize their post-graduation plans. In Compass Circles, leadership comes to life as your student applies their skills through acts of service, preparing them for a life of purpose. Read our Profile of a Kairos Graduate
Unlock Your Student's Future with Next Prep
Kairos Academies High School is fundamentally re-imagining the high school experience with Next Prep. We take the guesswork out of planning for the future by giving students the confidence and the skills to pursue the post-secondary path that allows them to meet their education, income, and life goals.
Self Discovery
Assessments and activities uncover students’ individual interests, talents, and passions.
Watch: Self Discovery >
Career Exploration
Weekly exposure to high-demand, skilled careers through presentations, job-shadowing, and site visits.
Watch: Career Exploration >
Professional Skills
Rigorous training on project management, active listening, technological agility, and other essential workplace skills.
Watch: Professional Skills >
Work-Based Learning
Paid internships at pathways-aligned employers focused on building industry-specific experience.
Pathway-Specific Prep
Credentials from vetted training partners both on and off-site, as well as through college dual credit.
Personalized Coaching
Mapping post-secondary choices such as: right-fit colleges, majors, apprenticeships, and internships.
Next Prep Program Partners
Talk to Our Enrollment Team
314-944-5626
I'm Ready to Apply to Kairos
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What is a charter school?A charter school is a free, independent public school that operates outside of a school district. Charter schools are granted greater flexibility in return for greater accountability. Missouri charter schools are governed by independent boards and are non-profit organizations. You can learn more about charter schools from our charter sponsor, Missouri Charter Public School Commission.
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Does Kairos charge tuition?Kairos is a public school and is prohibited from charging tuition. We receive per-pupil public funds similar to district schools. While Missouri law requires us to receive 100% of the funding, the reality is that charter school per pupil funding is slightly smaller than what the local district receives. As with most states, Missouri charter schools do not receive capital funds to support facility expenses. Charter schools are entitled to federal categorical funding for which their students are eligible, such as Title I and Special Education monies. Federal legislation provides grants to help charters to manage start-up costs. If you’d like to learn more about monetarily supporting Kairos, please click here.
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What is the difference between public charter schools and other public schools?Public charter schools are public schools established by teachers, parents, principals, educational experts, and entrepreneurs. The biggest difference is that no student is assigned to a charter school. Families choose to enroll their children in public charter schools. Public charter schools operate free from some of the regulations of a school district. Charter schools are accountable for achieving the same state standards as school districts but may choose to use different measures and timelines for reaching their goals. In exchange for flexibility, charters can be closed if they do not keep their performance promises. Public charter schools are governed by non-profit boards and must comply with their “charter” agreement and performance contract conditions. Unlike elected district boards, charter school boards are appointed and operate under Missouri Statutes that regulate non-profit organizations.
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What grades does Kairos serve?Kairos Academies is enrolling grades 5-11 for the 2024-25 school year. We will enroll students in grades 5-12 beginning in the 2025-26 school year and every year after.
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Does Kairos select who their students are?We are a public school which means we are open to all students in the area we serve. We accept our students by a random, public lottery. To apply to our schools, go to SchoolAppSTL.
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How can I enroll my child?Kairos Academies is one of 12 St. Louis public charter organizations working together to simplify our initial application process into one easy form, SchoolAppSTL, that you can fill out on any electronic device. The application allows you to apply to our school in less than 3 minutes and makes applying to schools easier, more accessible and more transparent. To apply to Kairos, go to SchoolAppSTL. Have a specific enrollment question? Let us know by emailing enrollment@kairosacademies.org or by calling/texting 314-944-5626.
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How can I support Kairos Academies?We believe that education is the best gift you can give and thank you for your consideration in supporting our mission. You can donate by clicking here, or learn more about volunteering here.
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Are you hiring?We invite you to visit our Careers page to see our current job openings, chat one-on-one with our Director of Talent, or to submit your resume for us to have on file should a good fit position come up.