In Kansas City, Missouri, it can be overwhelming as a parent or caregiver to research – and visit – all the available schools.  

On the second Saturday of November, Show Me KC Schools hosts the City School Fair, in partnership with the Library, to provide school options in one location.  

The ninth annual event takes place on November 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Central Library at 14 W. 10th Street in downtown Kansas City. 

Representatives from more than 50 district, public charter, private, and faith-based schools – including pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school – will be available for one-to-one conversations, and so will current parents, staff, and students.  

Kim Angotti, the Library’s youth and family engagement operations and program manager, says it’s likely that about 700 people will attend.  

“It’s just a unique opportunity,” Angotti says, “and it fits in with the Library's mission of open access to information and helping children and families gather the information they need to make the best choices.” 

Often people tap family members, friends, or colleagues for school recommendations.   

“But we try to remind folks that what may be great for one family and one student may not be the best option for someone else,” says Nina Ward, director of programs and events for Show Me KC Schools.  

Ward encourages parents to bring their students to the fair to learn more about individual schools, from preschoolers attending for the first time to tweens or teens considering changing schools or attending high school.  

“We’re trying to encourage families to do this pre-work,” she says, “and utilize this fair, so that you can make sure that you’ve made a confident, well-informed decision.”  

The Kansas City Chiefs’ mascot KC Wolf will greet people and pose for photos, and so will cosplayers from Just-Us League dressed as DC Comics and Marvel Comics superheroes. The nonprofit Kanbe’s Markets will provide fresh produce. And, says Ward, teens can sign up for a raffle to win gift cards. 

“We try to make it as family-friendly as possible,” she says. “I have some things to entertain little ones while parents are there getting information. So, we’ll always have our face painters and balloon artists.”  

The Library, says Angotti, will also have a table stocked with a variety of resources. 

“We talk a lot about early learning. We give out books,” she says. “We encourage them to sign up for Library cards. And we make sure that they know all the services that we can provide.” 

Photos: Courtesy of Show Me KC Schools.