For the last four years and counting, Kansas City Public Schools has been on the rise. That's four years of full accreditation, four years of enrollment growth, four years of rising graduation rates, and four years of overall improved student outcomes.

This year, U.S. News and World Report has ranked four KCPS high schools on the list of 2026-2027 Top High Schools in the Kansas City, MO, Area and Top High Schools in Missouri: Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Northeast High School, and East High School.

Special congratulations to Lincoln Prep for placing #5 and #6, respectively, and Paseo Academy for placing #25 and #43. Nationally, Lincoln Prep was ranked #470 out of 17,945, placing it in the 97th percentile.

U.S. News determined its rankings through a number of factors including college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, and graduation rate. How Lincoln Prep, Paseo Academy, Northeast High, and East High placed is a testament to KCPS' ongoing determination to become a destination district, or one where all students can come as they are, have their needs met, and thrive.

Congratulations to the students, staff, and families who contributed to this year's rankings. Let's have an excellent 2026-2027 school year!

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