KCMO nonprofit helping at-risk teens thrive in smaller alternative school

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) — A Kansas City nonprofit is helping at-risk teens succeed with an alternative private school when traditional school isn’t working out.

The Plaza Academy has been helping teens since 1974. About 60 students in grades 8th-12th attend the school.

Some deal with depression or anxiety, and others need more attention than large classes can provide, Plaza Academy can meet students where they are at.

“No more than 10 kids in a class,” said The Plaza Academy Executive Director, Ward Worley.

It’s a unique learning environment with the same courses as a traditional school would. It’s giving students like Alta Warriner and Kelsey Rollins a chance to explore who they are.

“It makes learning more fun and makes me feel like I’m actually accomplishing something when I do assignments,” said Plaza Academy Senior, Kelsey Rollins.

Both Warriner and Rollins weren’t happy in public school, saying bigger class sizes made it harder to stay on top of things.

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Coming to Plaza Academy changed things for the students.

“It was like an immediate switch,” said Plaza Academy Junior, Alta Warriner.

Rollins uses the recording studio to practice voice acting, a dream they hope to accomplish after high school.

“I’m starting to really believe in myself more,” said Rollins.

Plaza Academy is allowing Warriner to learn electric bass and discover her love for baking.

“It really is more of a family than it is like just a school,” said Warriner.

The school’s teachers and staff support students in any way they can, while also giving the students more freedom than in a usual school setting.

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“We treat our kids here like young adults rather than little kids and they are allowed to make their own decisions,” said Worley.

The nonprofit-accredited private school also uses personalized therapy to help with student success. About 80% of graduates go on to college or trade school.

To learn more about Plaza Academy click here.

For more information on the 3 Degree Guarantee, click here.

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