In the Heart of Midtown Kansas City, Hope Is Being Built: Inside Citizens of the World Charter School
By Samoy Mainda
On Tuesday, February 24, I had the opportunity to visit Citizens of the World Charter School in Kansas City. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew this would be a special place.
I wasn’t greeted with formality. I was greeted with joy.
The front office staff welcomed me with genuine smiles—the kind that make you feel seen and valued. Katy Lineberry, Recruitment and Enrollment Coordinator and Caring for Kids Liaison, and Carl Stafford, middle school teacher, debate and forensics coach, and PTSO liaison, guided me through the school. What I experienced was more than a tour. It was a firsthand look at what happens when a school is built to truly serve its students, families, and community.
Located in the heart of Midtown Kansas City, Citizens of the World Charter School (CWCKC) was founded in 2016 by a group of parents who believed their community needed more options. The school started with just kindergarten and first grade, adding one grade level each year. Today, CWCKC serves 390 students from kindergarten through eighth grade in its Broadway building. After upcoming renovations, the school will have space for up to 100 additional students.
At its core, CWCKC is built on three pillars: project-based learning, social-emotional learning, and a strong focus on community. These pillars are not just ideas on paper—they are part of everyday life at the school.
During my visit, I observed a social-emotional learning class led by sixth-grade math teacher Ms. Tilly. The lesson focused on life skills like accountability, cultural awareness, and personal growth. This is the kind of education that prepares students not just for tests, but for life.
Middle School Principal Mr. Butler described education as a tripod: students, teachers, and families working together. He shared that Citizens of the World is a parable for their children, and there should be a difference from the beginning of the school year compared to the end.
One of the most powerful moments of my visit came during a conversation with eighth-grade student ambassador Jordana Carrizosa-Peña. Reflecting on her previous school and speaking about her experience at CWCKC, Jordana said, “I wasn’t pushed like I am now.” That push sparked a stronger drive within her and helped her grow as both a student and a leader.
Music teacher Ms. Scott shared her experience teaching at CWCKC, saying, “These are the first two years that I truly have enjoyed being a music teacher.” She started a choir with just six students. Today, that choir has grown to 34 students in grades three through five. What began as something small has become something powerful.
I also met Ms. Kerrie Schoen, one of the founding members of Citizens of the World and the elementary math interventionist. Her vision for hands-on learning and social-emotional support continues to shape the school.
Through programs like Campfire, which provides free before- and after-school care, CWCKC supports the whole family.
It is no surprise the school continues to grow.
What is happening inside those walls is not ordinary.
It is transformational.
In the heart of Midtown Kansas City, hope is not just being talked about.
It is being built—every single day.