Crossroads Academy Central Street
Central Street is a tuition-free K-6th grade charter school located in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
All 6th grade graduates are guaranteed admission to Crossroads Preparatory Academy.
Principal: Dr. Kenneth Griffin
Assistant Principal: Jamon Finley (click here for bio)
D
ear Central Street Families, It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I pen this letter to introduce myself as the incoming Principal of Crossroads Academy Central Street. As a passionate advocate for education and a devoted lifelong learner, I am honored to become a part of your vibrant community.
Dear Central Street Families, welcome to the 2023-2024 school year at Crossroads Academy-Central Street! The staff and I look forward to partnering with you in our scholar’s education. Thanks to the dedication of our team, the upcoming year is full of captivating opportunities that will develop and push our scholars to question and investigate the world
around them.
I bring with me a variety of experiences in the field of education, having earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate in educational leadership. These academic pursuits have not only equipped me with a deep understanding of educational principles but have also instilled in me a profound commitment to continuous learning. I am genuinely thrilled about the prospect of further enriching my knowledge through the unique experiences that the Central Street community has to offer.
With nearly 15 years in the field of education, I have had the privilege of shaping young minds in various capacities. My journey began as a social studies teacher for middle school students, a role that allowed me to cultivate a love for learning and foster critical thinking skills in my students. Later, as the Director of Field and Clinical at Southeast Missouri State, I had the opportunity to guide and coach countless teacher candidates, contributing to the growth of future educators.
I then served as the Principal of Yeatman Middle, where we successfully built a strong and resilient community, even in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic. This experience further deepened my belief in the power of collaboration and collective effort in creating a nurturing educational environment.
My tenure as the Principal of Monroe Elementary School marked a pivotal moment in my career, as it was here that I discovered my genuine passion for working with elementary students. Witnessing their curiosity, creativity, and boundless enthusiasm reaffirmed my commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.
As I embark on this new chapter at Crossroads Academy Central Street, I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of your school community. I am eager to collaborate with the dedicated staff, involved parents, and, most importantly, the talented students who make Central Street Elementary a unique and special place.
Growing up in foster care has shaped me into a leader who is inherently student-centered and solution-oriented. The challenges I faced during my formative years have instilled in me a deep empathy for the diverse needs of students. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.
I look forward to learning from each of you and, together, creating an environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for welcoming me into your community, and I am excited to begin this journey of educational excellence with you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kenneth Griffin
Dr. Kenneth Griffin, Principal
Crossroads Academy – Central Street is a tuition-free charter school located in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and a member of Crossroads Charter Schools.
Crossroads Charter Schools’ mission is to prepare and inspire students to build a better tomorrow by providing an academically rigorous K-12 education in a creative, collaborative, community-focused environment. Our vision is to be the premier school system in Kansas City and a destination for other educators seeking inspiration and best practices. Graduates of Crossroads Charter Schools will be scholarly, culturally literate, and service-oriented individuals who will pursue their dreams relentlessly and have a positive impact on their family, their community, and the world.
Crossroads Academy – Central Street, originally “Crossroads Academy,” opened in 2012 with 190 students in grades K–5th. Once a K – 8th school, now the school serves K – 6th. Sixth grade graduates are guaranteed admission into Crossroads Preparatory Academy, which serves 7th – 12th grade.
Graduates of Crossroads Charter Schools will be scholarly, culturally literate, and service- oriented individuals who will pursue their dreams relentlessly and have a positive impact on their family, their community, and the world.
Immersed in the civic, artistic, financial and historic heart of Kansas City, Crossroads Charter Schools embrace the exceptional learning opportunities of our urban setting. Our curriculum is aligned with the Missouri Learning Standards and grounded in the Framework for 21st Century Learning. Our highly-qualified teachers establish the expectations, structure, accountability, and creative environment necessary for truly exceptional learning.
As an independent charter school, Crossroads Academy – Central Street is accessible to any family living within the KCMO School District. Among these families, those living or working within the Greater Downtown Area (State Line to Prospect, the Missouri River to 39th Street) receive priority in our admissions lottery. All parents who are personally committed to high-expectations and want their child to learn in an academically rigorous environment are encouraged to apply.
With its high-expectations, focus on 21st Century Learning and community engagement,Crossroads Academy – Central Street is a source of gravity and pride for the Downtown community.
