Programs

African-Centered Preparatory Academy at Southeast

The African-Centered College Preparatory Academy (AC Prep) is a Signature School program within Southeast High School. AC Prep provides a unique college preparatory curriculum that is consistent with KCPS, but strives to exceed mandates and reach a higher level of expectation and challenge. Along with a rigorous college prep academic curriculum, AC Prep teaches principals of Ma’at and the Nguzo Saba focusing on self-esteem, empowerment and responsible citizenship, along with the classical views of traditional African society. We also have a high expectation of academic achievement and social conduct for all AC Prep students.

Using Culture to Develop Scholars and Leaders

AC Prep uses a culturally relevant approach, for scholars to develop leadership skills, social responsibility and personal life skills. Our program uses a rigorous curriculum ranging from 9-12th grade, which emphasizes college prep, world languages and cultural foundations of drumming, art, drama, music, theater and dance. We have learning academies and social clubs, as well as opportunities to study abroad.

Campus scholars must adhere to high expectations, strict rules, and academic rigor. All scholars and parents must participate in a mandatory interview process and orientation before being enrolled.

Offering Early College Opportunities

Scholars attending the AC Prep upper campus have the distinct opportunity of participating in our Early College Academy (ECA) program. ECA is designed to allow scholars to earn up to 60 hours of college credit, or an Associate’s degree, at no cost to their parents/guardians, while earning their high school diploma all as part of their AC Prep experience. ECA students are considered both high school and college students, allowing students access to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Academic Standard of Learning

AC Prep scholars must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average in overall classes and coursework. If the standard is not met, a mandatory parent conference will be required. Additionally, the scholar will be placed on an academic probation for one semester to monitor and assure that the standard is maintained. If the scholar does not show any improvement, he/she will be demitted. If a scholar is demitted, he/she cannot return to AC Prep for one school year.

Social Standard of School Conduct

AC Prep scholars cannot receive more than twenty demerits, within an academic year that involves any school conference cards or violations of the district’s code of conduct. If the standard is not met, a mandatory parent conference will be required. Additionally, the scholar will be placed on an academic probation for one year to monitor and assure that the standard is maintained. If the scholar does not show any improvement, or receives more than forty demerits, he/she will be demitted. If a scholar is demitted, he/she cannot return to AC Prep for one school year.

AC Prep's History

The African-Centered College Preparatory Academy is not just a school, but the result of 24 years of hard work and dedication by the Kansas City, MO, community.  The school offers innovative, college prep instruction to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade according to the principles of Ma'at and the Nguzo Saba. 

Our story began in 1988, J. S. Chick African Shule, one of the  Kansas City Public Schools phenomenal African-centered elementary educational institution, providing a unique cultural education to nearly 350 students. Since then the program has evolved into a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade program servicing more than 920 students.

The latest evolution of the program, African-Centered College Preparatory Academy (AC Prep), continues the strong cultural aspects of the existing program with a revamped curriculum and the support services offered to all KCPS students. The school is led by a principal and advised by a Council of Elders (Wazuri) that offers input and guidance on every aspect of school operations.