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: Mr. Jamon Finley
Assistant Principal: Shampayne Mitchell
D
ear Central Street Families, Jamon Finley is a passionate and student-centered educator with a deep commitment to academic excellence, equity, and community engagement. As Principal of Crossroads Academy – Central Street, Jamon brings a wealth of experience in school leadership and a heartfelt dedication to creating joyful, inclusive spaces where every child can thrive.
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.
Jamon’s journey in education began in the classroom, where he taught 1st and 2nd grade and developed a love for nurturing young learners. Since then, he has held a variety of leadership roles, including Dean of Students, Dean of Instruction, Principal Fellow, and Interim Executive Director. Most recently, he served as Assistant Principal at Crossroads Central Street, where he helped lead a thriving, student-centered school community focused on curiosity, academic growth, and whole-child development.
In addition to his leadership within schools, Jamon also contributes to the broader Kansas City education landscape as a board member of a local charter school, helping to support strong academic outcomes and positive school culture across the city.
Jamon leads with warmth, high expectations, and a belief in the power of relationships. He is deeply invested in partnering with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders to create a school environment where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Outside of school, Jamon is the proud guardian of his teenage brother, Josiah, and the doting dog dad to two miniature schnauzers, Cash and Charlie. He’s an avid runner, gym enthusiast, travel planner, houseplant collector, and firm believer in the power of a good nap.
As Principal, Jamon is excited to lead Crossroads Central Street into its next chapter with energy, empathy, and a relentless focus on student success.
Mr. Jamon Finley
Mr. Jamon Finley, 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 PK-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.
