A New Journey Begins for The Transition Academy
The Transition Academy believes in the potential of every young person. We also believe their true potential can be unlocked if they have access to real-world experiences that open their eyes to prepare them for opportunities. We’ve seen how this exposure to new ideas and experiences has opened young people’s minds and created career paths they hadn’t considered before. We have been thinking for a long time about how to grow our vision, but we didn’t want to plan anything in a silo.
That’s why in the Spring we hosted focus groups with families, educators, and employers to ask an important question: What’s working, what’s missing, and what would it take to truly prepare students who learn differently for the future?
What We Heard
- Employers told us they need young people who can bring analytical thinking, empathy, and dependability into the workplace. They acknowledged today’s job market is competitive and emphasized the importance of customized training, inclusive environments, and collaboration with lawmakers and service providers.
- Families highlighted adaptability, confidence, and perseverance as critical traits for their children’s success. They spoke about the need for earlier exposure to career paths, internships, and mentorships, alongside systemic changes like stronger case management, better job coaching, and parent education.
- Educators emphasized early intervention, diverse learning opportunities, and the importance of tailoring instruction to individual learning styles. They also shared how vital it is for industry partners to build patience and flexibility into training environments, and for communities to rally around students as they take their next steps.
Across all three groups, one thing was clear: our students need us to do better. They deserve more than fragmented support systems. They need a coordinated, intentional, real-world learning experience that prepares them to thrive.
Our Next Step: A Microschool Model
This summer, after carefully reviewing what we heard from families, educators, employers, and community partners, The Transition Academy began moving forward with a microschool model designed specifically for students aged 18–21.
We see this as a first-of-its-kind real-world learning approach for Kansas City—one that bridges education, workforce pathways, and essential supports during a critical transition period.
This new school is being designed to:
Provide hands-on career experiences and entrepreneurship training
Build stronger connections between education, workforce, and government supports
Prepare students to graduate day one job-ready and excited about their future
Today, more than 2,600 students in Kansas City public and charter schools have an IEP, yet the urban core has no dedicated program serving young adults between the ages of 18 and 21. The Transition Academy’s microschool is designed to change that.
What’s Next
Over the coming year, The Transition Academy will focus on careful financial planning and building the support needed to launch this microschool responsibly and sustainably.
We have already begun laying that groundwork. This fall, supporters gathered for a Breakfast titled “Are You Ahead of the Game?” to learn more about our evolving vision and experience firsthand, one of the tools we use with students to explore how everyday decisions shape future outcomes.
As we continue this work, we remain committed to listening, planning thoughtfully, and inviting community leaders into the next stage of growth—so that when we launch, we do it right.
With your continued support, we believe Kansas City can become a national model for preparing young people who learn differently for meaningful, fulfilling lives
To hear directly from students, educators, and partners, and to see why now is the time for change, watch our new video:
Thank you to every educator, parent, employer, and community partner who lent your voice to this process. We know we can reimagine education for youth who learn differently and ensure their future is filled with opportunities. With support from our community, our dream will become reality.
