Re-Imagining School for the 21st Century
Kairos Academies are free, award-winning public charter schools built for the 21st Century. Our innovative approach to Middle and High School empowers students to discover their own passion and purpose through personalized learning and one-on-one mentoring. Kairos students learn to connect what they learn in the classroom to the future they can choose for themselves. By graduation, your student will be a self-directed learner, leader, and citizen–ready to thrive at college, in a 21st century career, and in a free society.
Your Child is Not Average
So we won’t give them an average, cookie-cutter education. Kairos personalizes every aspect of the learning experience to your student’s unique needs. Our award-winning curriculum, Summit by Gradient Learning, allows students to move at their own pace, using the resources that work best for them. Every Kairos student works with a mentor weekly to set personalized goals and build crucial executive functioning skills. And our educators challenge students to solve real-world problems together in creative class projects that inspire a culture of joy and lifelong learning.
“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
An Education Revolution
Personalized Learning
Every child has unique strengths and weaknesses, so we play to their strengths and use coursework that adapts to every student’s needs an interests. With a laptop connected to an internet of resources, Kairos empowers students to learn in the way and at the pace that works best for them.
Student Agency
One-size-fits-all classes force kids to be followers, not leaders. However success in the real world requires independence–students must learn how to learn independently. At Kairos we teach students to manage their time and priorities just like a college student or modern professional.
One-on-One Mentoring
Kairos students meet with a personal mentor each week who helps them manage their time, habits, and relationships. Mentors work closely with families to help students make responsible choices about how, when, where, and with whom to learn. At Kairos, we believe students must learn to see the connection between their decisions and their outcomes.
Diverse-by-Design
Kairos students don’t just talk about working across lines of difference–they practice it daily through restorative justice and relationship building. Our diverse and inclusive community encourages students to embrace their individuality and welcome differences. Together we’ve built a community where students are known, cared for, valued, and supportive of one another.
Year-Round Education
Instead of a long summer break and even longer semesters, Kairos operates all year with breaks spread throughout. Students work hard each “cycle” and recharge for one to two weeks in between. During these breaks, faculty analyze student data, update families, and make adjustments so that the next cycle is even better for our students.
Award-Winning Results
Ranked #3 Charter Middle School in Missouri
U.S. News & World Report
2022 SLU PRiME Growth
Award Winner
for beating the odds in
student growth
Build a Plan, Pursue Your Future
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. If you’re interested in applying, you can submit your student's application here.
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How can I enroll my child?You can submit an application at any time here. 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.