Open House at Southwest Early College Campus Draws a Crowd 

Fifth grader Sophie summed up the feeling at the Southwest Early College Campus (SWECC) open house held Saturday, January 12.
“I’d like to go to school here next year.”
Over 200 people attended the open house. Families in attendance were anxious to learn details of how to enroll their students in the math/science-focused, sixth through 12th grade early college campus. The school will open this fall with grades six and nine.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for my child,” said one parent.
SWECC is a project co-developed by five community partners: The Kansas City, Missouri School District, Kansas City’s Partnership for Regional Educational Preparation (PREP-KC), University of Missouri-Kansas City, The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, and The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. These five partners, with regular community input, have been working together over the last year to plan the opening of the school.
“Opening a new school is no small task,” said KCMSD assistant superintendent of high schools, Vickie Murillo. “Add to that the planning necessary for students to earn 20-60 hours of college credit, and you can see why we are so excited and so glad to bring such capable partners to the table to help us launch this school.”
All students within the Kansas City, Missouri School District, who have an interest in math and science and an early college program, are encouraged to complete the enrollment process, which begins with a KCMSD application, which will be available in mid-February. Additionally, every family will participate in a family conference. The conference is designed to give students and families the necessary information to make the best educational decision for their student. During the conference, families will learn about the extended day and extended school year requirements of the school.
“We want every family to understand the commitment required to be successful at SWECC and the supports in place to help them achieve success,” said David Ketchum, science coordinator for the KCMSD.
Community input and leadership is a critical component of the design and launch of SWECC. To ensure the community perspective and expertise is utilized, a Community Advisory Council has been created. “SWECC is a great addition to the KCMSD’s educational offerings, and a school we welcome in the southwest portion of the city,” said Southwest Community Alliance member Melissa Jackson.
For more information on the Southwest Early College Campus please call 816-418-7977.