A Year of Momentum
The 2025–2026 school year has been defined by purpose, progress, and a deep sense of community at The Barstow School. As one of the best independent schools in the Kansas City region, we continue to deliver an educational experience that is both innovative and grounded in our commitment to every student’s growth.
This year, our classrooms and programs reflected the very best of what independent education can offer —dynamic, student-centered learning that inspires curiosity and builds confidence. From early childhood through the upper school, our faculty designed experiences that challenged students to think critically, collaborate meaningfully, and explore new ideas with creativity and courage.
Interdisciplinary Learning Sets Barstow Apart
A hallmark of this work is our commitment to interdisciplinary learning. At The Barstow School, subjects are intentionally connected rather than taught in isolation, allowing students to see the relationships between disciplines that are often presented in silos. Whether integrating history and literature, science and mathematics, or design and technology, this approach deepens comprehension and strengthens retention. More importantly, it reinforces real-world applications of the curriculum, helping students understand not just what they are learning, but why it matters. By making these connections explicit, we prepare students to think more holistically and solve complex problems with confidence.
Interdisciplinary Learning Sets Barstow Apart
A hallmark of this work is our commitment to interdisciplinary learning. At The Barstow School, subjects are intentionally connected rather than taught in isolation, allowing students to see the relationships between disciplines that are often presented in silos. Whether integrating history and literature, science and mathematics, or design and technology, this approach deepens comprehension and strengthens retention. More importantly, it reinforces real-world applications of the curriculum, helping students understand not just what they are learning, but why it matters. By making these connections explicit, we prepare students to think more holistically and solve complex problems with confidence.
Exceptional Educators Make a Difference
Our commitment to excellence has also been recognized beyond campus. Barstow educators earned prestigious awards and honors for their dedication to teaching and coaching, reinforcing what our families already know: exceptional educators make all the difference. These achievements are a testament to a culture that values both professional growth and student success. From our outstanding educator of the year for the Oregon-California Trails Association, Amanda Stallings, to our girls basketball conference coach of the year Rodney Gilyard, our faculty and staff are recognized as some of the best in their fields.
Our commitment to excellence has also been recognized beyond campus. Barstow educators earned prestigious awards and honors for their dedication to teaching and coaching, reinforcing what our families already know: exceptional educators make all the difference. These achievements are a testament to a culture that values both professional growth and student success. From our outstanding educator of the year for the Oregon-California Trails Association, Amanda Stallings, to our girls basketball conference coach of the year Rodney Gilyard, our faculty and staff are recognized as some of the best in their fields.
Achievements Span Academics, Arts, Athletics
This year’s accomplishments reflect both the breadth and depth of Barstow student achievement. Our girls basketball team made a historic run to the state championship, demonstrating resilience and determination on the biggest stage, while younger learners made their mark as lower school students earned a record number of ribbons and honors at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair. Academic excellence extended across disciplines, with students recognized as chapter, state, and national winners in the DAR essay competition, and one senior named a prestigious Coca-Cola Scholar. In debate, Barstow secured a second-place finish at the state level in policy debate, showcasing exceptional critical thinking and advocacy skills. Our robotics team advanced to the World Championship as a qualifier, where they distinguished themselves as an alliance leader and Imagery Award winner. Creativity and design were equally celebrated, with the yearbook team earning a coveted Gallery of Excellence award, and the launch of a lower school chapter of the National Elementary Art Honor Society highlighting a growing commitment to the arts. Together, these achievements underscore a community where students are empowered to excel across disciplines and in every interest area.
This year’s accomplishments reflect both the breadth and depth of Barstow student achievement. Our girls basketball team made a historic run to the state championship, demonstrating resilience and determination on the biggest stage, while younger learners made their mark as lower school students earned a record number of ribbons and honors at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair. Academic excellence extended across disciplines, with students recognized as chapter, state, and national winners in the DAR essay competition, and one senior named a prestigious Coca-Cola Scholar. In debate, Barstow secured a second-place finish at the state level in policy debate, showcasing exceptional critical thinking and advocacy skills. Our robotics team advanced to the World Championship as a qualifier, where they distinguished themselves as an alliance leader and Imagery Award winner. Creativity and design were equally celebrated, with the yearbook team earning a coveted Gallery of Excellence award, and the launch of a lower school chapter of the National Elementary Art Honor Society highlighting a growing commitment to the arts. Together, these achievements underscore a community where students are empowered to excel across disciplines and in every interest area.
Where You Belong
Equally important is the sense of connection that defines our community. Barstow is a place where you belong — where students are known, supported and encouraged to discover their unique strengths. Whether through academic pursuits, the arts, athletics or service, every student has the opportunity to find their voice and make an impact.
Equally important is the sense of connection that defines our community. Barstow is a place where you belong — where students are known, supported and encouraged to discover their unique strengths. Whether through academic pursuits, the arts, athletics or service, every student has the opportunity to find their voice and make an impact.
As we reflect on a remarkable year, we are energized by what lies ahead. Barstow remains committed to shaping thoughtful, confident learners prepared to lead in an ever-changing world. The momentum of 2025–2026 is not just a reflection of where we’ve been —it’s a promise of where we’re going.
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Traditions and friendships between our youngest and oldest students build community and belonging at The Barstow School.
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FIRST Robotics Team 1939 returned to World Championships in Houston and earned the Imagery Award for its innovative robot design.
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The fifthgrade capstone trip to Washington, D.C. is an example of integrated learning that broadens and deepns comprehension of diverse disciplines.
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Grade 4 and 5 students won dozens of ribbons and honors at the GKC Science and Engineering Fair.
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Hands-on learning makes Barstow classroom lessons memorble.
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At IDEA Space KC, our STEAM learning center, student have access to state-of-the-art technology taught by experienced STEM professionals.
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The girls basketball team earned a trip to the state final four championship in April.
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Middle school robotics made a comeback!
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Teachers in every division and discipline worked together to create learning experiences available only at Barstow.
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