Lawrence schools are outstanding.

Expansion Management Magazine, a national publication, ranked Lawrence schools No. 2 among those in the nation’s 370 metropolitan areas.

The award is indicative of the tremendous amount of community involvement that makes Lawrence schools successful. Parents in the district are involved through such traditional resources as PTO’s and site councils. But as we know, parents go beyond organized group participation by volunteering in a myriad ways from reading to children in classrooms, as members of district committees, and participating in extracurricular activities throughout the community.

The business sector contributes to student success through partnerships and foundations with Lawrence schools. Businesses and city organizations work to enhance the learning experiences of our students by offering financial support, abilities, time and other resources.

Behind the scenes, administrators use their expertise to seek additional funding, and to implement academic resources and programs in Lawrence schools. For example, the district recently received a grant to start the Lawrence Virtual School, a school that reaches beyond the traditional classroom.

Our greatest asset is our teachers. They work countless hours to ensure that Lawrence students achieve academically and also to mentor and help facilitate successful outcomes as our students transition into adulthood. Our teachers are dynamic, highly qualified individuals who utilize their talents through diverse learning strategies in a diverse learning community. Our teachers are working to build a community of learners in the schools through innovative curriculum, creativity, technology and dexterous teaching. Together, members of the Lawrence community continue a tradition of affirming the value of our children through quality education and valued relationships.

Our schools are all unique, each with its own identity. Each school consists of students from varying social economic and ethnic backgrounds. More schools from across the city are beginning to form partnerships that serve to build bridges across the community. Educators throughout the district are able to identify the specific needs of our diverse student population and address them with efficiency and success. The school district also has ongoing professional relationships with Haskell Indian Nations University and Kansas University. The presence of the universities broadens the scope of educational opportunities for Lawrence students.

Lawrence is fortunate to have an excellent educational system in place. The success of our schools also contributes to the vibrancy of the city as businesses and families consider relocating to Lawrence. Teachers and district staff are committed to exceptional student achievement through educational programs that are challenging and fun. The foundation of a solid education will set forth students who have the ability to make informed and wise choices about their future and produce tomorrow’s talented and skilled individuals who will continue to make Lawrence a great place to live.