Known as the City of Fountains, Kansas City sits at the center of the United States and in the heart of the Midwest. Kansas City may have a dividing line separating Kansas and Missouri, but the city operates as one unique place to explore education, culture, and fabulous barbeque. With almost 25,000 students served by Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) and other local charters, education is a top priority for Mayor Sylvester Turner. After losing state accreditation earlier this decade and with a decline in enrollment in traditional public schools, Kansas City has been working hard to rebuild its reputation. This started with a successful strategic plan to regain accreditation status in the 2014-2015 school year based on the academic gains made by KCPS students. This past year, Kansas City, MO (KCMO) appointed a new superintendent and has also begun to prioritize an investment in the support systems that ensure an equitable education for all students, including investments in technology with the integration of Google Fiber, partnerships with local universities to prepare graduates for a successful future, and talent with organizations like Teach For America and Education Pioneers.