Best K-8 Private School
Winner: Overland Christian School
Located in northern Johnson County at 74th and Metcalf, Overland Christian Schools has been welcoming elementary and middle school students since 1961. OCS holds full accreditation through the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS) and is a member of the local MOKAN athletics conference. They strive to provide affordable access to Christian education to the members of the Johnson County community as well as the surrounding KC Metro area. They are proud to welcome students from diverse backgrounds to be a part of the campus family!
At Overland Christian Schools, the mission is to provide a strong educational foundation from a biblical perspective and to prepare young people for service as they pursue God’s will for their lives. It is their desire to educate the whole child: academically, emotionally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually. OCS strives to create a vibrant, Christ-centered community where students develop a biblical worldview, grow in relationship with Jesus, and step boldly into His purpose and will for their lives.
If you are interested in joining the OCS community, they would love set up a campus visit. Please call 913.948.9994 or visit their website at www.overlandchristian.org.
Runners up: St. Michael the Archangel and Ascension Catholic School
Best Karate/Martial Arts Studio
Winner: Shugosha Contemporary Martial Arts
The Shugosha dojo began in 2008 in a home basement with seven adult students. As they grew, they realized the basement wasn’t going to meet their needs. Shugosha then rented a space at a local church and continued growing the student base eventually filling to capacity. It was time to rent a storefront. The results of those efforts is an organization that teaches personal protection and martial arts to students of all ages. Shugosha has several outstanding youth programs including homeschool classes available days and evenings. Our adult programs cover everything from martial arts/Ju-Jitsu to scenario-based training along with handgun training and Kansas CCW. Find out more on their website here or by calling 913-230-7419.
Runners up: Tai Chi KC and Integrity Martial Arts
Best Daycare/Pre-School
Winner: Lakeview Village Child Development Center
Lakeview Child Development Center is a licensed child care center serving employee’s children, grandchildren, Lakeview resident’s grandchildren, great grandchildren, and children from the community at large. The center strives to enhance their community through quality early care and education that unites generations. Opening in 1997, it was the first shared site intergenerational program in Johnson County. Although shared site intergenerational programs are a growing trend in the nation, they remain few in the Kansas City area, which makes this an exciting addition to the Lenexa community.
Teachers utilize a research based literacy curriculum with add-on music, art, and Spanish language learning experiences. Programming includes in-classroom resident volunteers, on-site shared resident/student experiences, gardening in the Giving Grove, field trips, visits from Lakeview Village resident experts sharing their knowledge on art, literacy, gardening, cooking, math, and many other topics.
The center has established an atmosphere that allows children the opportunity to explore and experience their surroundings in a setting of acceptance, warmth, and respect. The goal is to provide children an environment where they can develop their full potential physically, emotionally and intellectually while offering opportunities for on-going intergenerational interactions that promote meaningful relationships between children, residents and Lakeview Village employees. For more information, contact them via their website or by calling 913-744-2342.
Runners up: Jewish Community Center Preschool and Beautiful Savior Preschool
Best Dance School/Studio
Winner:Premier Dance
Runners up: Miller Marley School of Dance & Voice and The Culture House
Best Kids Birthday Party Spot
Winner: Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Runners up: Emerald City Gymnastics and Main Event Olathe
Best Music School/Place for Lessons
Winner: InJoy Music
Runners up: Meyer Music and The Culture House
Best Private High School
Winner: Bishop Miege High School
Runners up: St. James Academy Catholic High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School