Niche School District Rankings

Niche ranks colleges, schools, neighborhoods, and companies and gives them a report card based on its analysis of data and community feedback.

It calls its school and neighborhood data the most comprehensive.

The high schools and districts in Grain Valley, Blue Springs, and Lee’s Summit earned top honors in the 2020 rankings.

Blue Springs School District

Niche awarded the Blue Springs School District several top honors, including recognizing its high schools among the best nationally and locally.

Blue Springs National Rankings

Nationally, the site ranked more than 10-thousand schools.

• #175 Best School Districts for Athletes in America
• #214 Best School Districts in America
• #258 Best Places to Teach in America
• #272 Districts with the Best Teachers in America

Blue Springs Schools in Missouri

Out of more than 450 schools in Missouri, Blue Springs ranked among the best.

• #4 Best Places to Teach in Missouri
• #4 Best School Districts for Athletes in Missouri
• #6 Best School Districts in Missouri
• #8 Districts with the Best Teachers in Missouri
• #27 Safest School Districts in Missouri
• #32 Most Diverse School Districts in Missouri

Blue Springs Honors in Kansas City Area

There are more than 40 schools in the Kansas City area. This is how Blue Springs ranked.

• #1 Best Place To Teach in the Kansas City Area
• #2 Best School District for Athletes in the Kansas City Area
• #2 Best School Districts in the Kansas City Area
• #3 Best Teachers in the Kansas City Area
• #7 Safest School Districts in KC
• #16 Most Diverse

Blue Springs in Jackson County

Out of 20 schools in Jackson County, Blue Springs rises to the top once again.

• #1 Best Place to Teach
• #1 Best School District for Athletes
• #1 Best School District in Jackson County
• #2 District with the Best Teachers
• #3 Safest Schools in Jackson County
• #8 Most Diverse

Lee’s Summit Niche Rankings

The Lee’s Summit School District, and its high schools, earned top honors from Niche nationally, locally, and state-wide.

Lee’s Summit National Recognition

• #136 Best Teachers in America
• #207 Best Athletes in America
• #272 Best School Districts in America
• #273 Best Places to Teach in America

Lee’s Summit in Missouri

• #3 Best Teachers in Missouri
• #5 Best Places to Teach in Missouri
• #5 Best School Districts for Athletes in Missouri
• #8 Best School Districts in Missouri
• #57 Most Diverse School Districts in Missouri
• #67 Safest School Districts in Missouri

Lee’s Summit Schools Among Best in Kansas City Area

Of more than 40 schools in the KC area, Lee’s Summit earned these honors:

• #2 Best Places to Teach in the KC Area
• #2 Districts with the Best Teachers
• #3 Best Schools for Athletes
• #3 Best School Districts in the Kansas City area
• #10 Safest School Districts
• #22 Most Diverse School Districts

Lee’s Summit in Jackson County

Lee’s Summit Schools ranked among the best in Jackson County.

• #1 District with the Best Teachers
• #2 Best Place to Teach
• #2 Best District for Athletes
• #2 Best School District
• #4 Safest School District
• #12 Most Diverse

Within the district, the high schools also earned top honors.

Grain Valley School District

Grain Valley School Honors in Missouri

• #39 Best School Districts in Missouri
• #62 Best Teachers
• #68 Safest School Districts
• #79 Best Places to Teach

Grain Valley School District in Kansas City

• #11 Safest School Districts
• #12 Best Teachers
• #12 Best School District in Kansas City
• #13 Best Places to Teach in Kansas City

Grain Valley in Jackson County

• #3 Best School District
• #4 Best Teachers
• #5 Safest School District
• #6 Best Places to Teach

Homes for sale

The Sally Moore Real Estate Team has a strong-hold in Eastern Jackson County communities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lee’s Summit, Oak Grove, and Independence. We’re new construction experts and specialize in resale properties as well. If you have a home to sell, we offer complimentary home staging which sells homes quick!

Blue Springs School District Homes for Sale

Lee’s Summit School District Homes for Sale

Grain Valley School District Homes for Sale

The post Best Jackson County Missouri Public Schools Named By Niche appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

Best Place to Retire in Missouri

There are all sorts of surveys, with varying results on the best place to live when you retire. You have more time on your hands, so it’s a big deal that you pick the right place to live for retirement. Plus, there are financial concerns on a limited budget.

MSN MoneyWise looked at three annual studies of the best place to live for retirement and averaged the results into a master list. You can call this the ultimate list of best places to retire.

Sixteen states made the list including, Missouri. Of course, Kansas City and St. Louis, the two largest cities, are part of the reason why.

They’re not the only reason why Missouri is number 12 on the list. One of the best places to retire in Missouri is Blue Springs. The master retirement list mentions the small town for all it has to offer in addition to the nearby city life.

Blue Springs, Missouri lakes

While Missouri is in the middle of the country and when you think of the coastline you imagine the East and West coast, there are plenty of lakes offering a relaxing retirement in Missouri too.

There are lakes throughout the state, including the Ozarks, Lake Tapawingo, Table Rock Lake, and Blue Springs Lake. With more than 1,000 miles of coastline, Missouri is considered a great place to retire.

Blue Springs Lake, located in Fleming Park, is the crown jewel of the area with 720 acres of water. You can powerboat, windsurf, water ski, tube, jet ski, or swim. There’s also Blue Springs Lake Marina which makes it easy to rent a boat or fish.

The lake is known for the beautiful trees along the shore and Hybrid Striped Bass, Bluegill Largemouth Bass, Carp, and Catfish.

In Blue Springs, you’ll also find Lake Remembrance in Gregory Grounds Park. It’s a 54-acre lake popular with fisherman. You can also canoe and kayak.

Nearby you’ll find Four Pillars Estates. There is still plenty of space for retirees in this new home community, with development of new lots and construction of new homes ongoing.

Just a short drive from Blue Springs, you’ll also find Longview Lake Beach in Kansas City, Missouri.

With an abundance of lakes near Blue Springs, there’s a place to relax for retirees.

Find out the top 10 reasons to live in Blue Springs, Missouri. The lakes are just one gem.

Why Missouri is a great place for retirees in 2019

Missouri also ranked as a great place for retirees to call home because of the highly rated hospitals and strong brewing and wine industry.

Plus, you can enjoy laid-back life, even in the country, and still be a close drive to downtown Kansas City.

Add in the low cost of living, the fact that Social Security is not taxed, and health care costs are below average, and you can see why Missouri is one of the best states for a retiree to live.

Sonora Valley Blue Springs Missouri

Affordable Housing in 64014

Blue Springs has plenty of affordable housing for someone considering retirement. Sonora Valley is a maintenance provided community, again furthering the no-stress retirement lifestyle that so many people want to experience.

There are new construction and resale opportunities in Sonora Valley. The community has a pool and clubhouse also available for residents to relax and enjoy. Even better, home prices start in the low $200’s. The builder, Dave Richards Homebuilding, uses hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, and granite in Sonora Valley.

Golf course community in Blue Springs 64015

Blue Springs also features the golf course community of Stone Canyon. It’s a premier golf community, with homes up to a million dollars. If you’d like a house on the lower end of that spectrum, you can also find homes in the $300’s in the Stone Canyon neighborhood.

Again, you’ll find resale and new construction opportunities in Stone Canyon. The developer recently released the latest lots for sale, on the golf course. Now is your chance to live in a golf course community, with the greens in your back yard, for a reasonable price. From some lots, there are even views of the downtown Kansas City skyline.

Blue Springs, Missouri is a great place to live

These nationally recognized lists are nothing new for Blue Springs. The city is one of the Top 100 cities to live in the United States, according to CNN / Money Magazine. HomesUnion and WalletHub also consider it a top place to live.

If you’re thinking of retiring in Blue Springs, Missouri, our experienced team is here to help you find the best place to live. There’s something for every retirement lifestyle.

The post Blue Springs Missouri Is One of The Best Places to Retire in 2019 appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

Blue Springs: Top place to live

HomesUnion, WalletHub, and Money Magazine all recognized Blue Springs, Missouri, because of its affordable homes and high-quality schools. With so many national publications ranking the city among the best in the nation, it’s one of the best suburbs in the Kansas City area.

HomesUnion ranked Blue Springs, Missouri the #1 place in the country to live! The city earned the title two years in a row! (2017, 2016) As a Blue Springs Realtor®, I’m not surprised. The area has a lot to offer! HomesUnion based its rankings on the affordability of homes and quality of schools.

The real estate investment firm ranked Midwest cities in the top three spots. Tuttle, Oklahoma (near Oklahoma City) and Fenton, Missouri (outside St. Louis) ranked second and third.

Steve Hovland, Director of Research for HomeUnion”]For the past two years, we have been tracking metros with the highest housing affordability and best school district. As home prices continue to increase in many coastal markets, particularly in the western U.S., we are seeing the best opportunities for first-time home buyers with families in the center of the country. These areas are also good places for single-family rental (SFR) buyers to invest in housing.

Blue Springs homes for sale

Blue Springs offers a wide variety of home choices, for every buyer. There are new construction communities like Stone Canyon, Brittany Ridge, and Sonora Valley. Stone Canyon is a quiet golf-course community featuring custom homes for $300-thousand up to $1-million. Sonora Valley is a maintenance provided community featuring homes with high-end finishes starting in the low $200’s.

In addition, there are plenty of resale homes. Start your search today!

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Money Magazine top 100 best places to live

Money Magazine also put Blue Springs on the map with its list of the 100 best places to live in the U.S.

Blue Springs ranked 49^th among small cities in 2010. The magazine recognized the city for its low tax rates, central location, low cost of living, and nationally recognized schools.

That honor captured the attention of CBS News, for an article “Where to find affordable homes with good schools.”

“This recognition by MONEY Magazine places a national spotlight on Blue Springs and validates the efforts of our resident, businesses, elected officials and many other community partners to make Blue Springs an attractive place for families, businesses, and visitors. Our residents recognize the high quality of life that is offered through our affordable homes, beautiful neighborhoods and excellent community partners like the highly acclaimed Blue Springs School District”. – Mayor Carson Ros

WalletHub Best Small Cities in America

WalletHub also named Blue Springs one of the “Best Small Cities in America” in its 2016 ranking. The small city took the 49^th spot.

The financial website looked at 30 livability factors including housing costs, school system quality, the health of residents, quality of life, safety, and the number of restaurants per capita.

Blue Springs made its way on the list after WalletHub analysts compared more than 1-thousand cities.

Ready to start your search for homes?

Blue Springs Quick Facts

Here are a few quick facts about Blue Springs:

• Population – 54,431 (2016 Census)
• Average home price – $159,700 (HomesUnion)
• Location: 20 miles east of Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri
• Recreation: 2 lakes with marinas, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, 20 parks, Field House
• Schools: Nationally Recognized for student performance in the classroom and extracurricular activities
• Schools also recognized among the best in the Kansas City area and state

The recreational opportunities in Blue Springs are some of the top 10 reasons to live in this community, along with the high achieving Blue Springs School District.

*Picture used with permission from the City of Blue Springs.

The post Why HomesUnion Ranked Blue Springs, Missouri The Best Place To Live appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

Tips for moving to Kansas City

If you’re moving, Kansas City is a great Midwestern choice. It features cutting-edge technology businesses, diverse neighborhoods, and professional sports.

Best of all — the people! Kansas Citians have a ton of pride in their city, making it a great place to live.

It’s a manageable city so even if you live in the eastern suburbs of Lee’s Summit, Grain Valley, or Blue Springs, you’re a close drive to everything the city offers. If you’re relocating to Kansas City, these steps will help you make the most of your move.

Whether you grew up in a small town or a big city, there’s an area for everyone in Kansas City. The community has a small town feel, allowing you to find a neighborhood like the one where you grew up. Here are some steps to take so you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle!

1. Living in Kansas City

Every city has a reputation, but sometimes that doesn’t match reality. So, research a city before you move. Don’t rely on what you read. Visit that city and talk to the people to get a feel for what it’s like to be a resident. There’s a culture to every city, and the people drive that.

For example, Kansas City surprises many visitors. That’s apparent in a lot of the national press Kansas City receive. Why is that? It’s because people have pre-conceived, and often wrong, notions of what this city resembles. Since it’s a mid-sized town in the middle of the country, many out-of-towners are surprised by the big city perks! The FREE trolley system sparked The New York Times to declare the streetcar is the perfect way to explore.

The city surprises so many; it’s consistently earning national recognition. In Kansas City, you’ll find residents proud to call Kansas City home! It’s so much more than a cow town, even though that’s the image out of towners still have in their mind. National press helps though, including the Huffington Post offering 6 reasons it’s one of the most loved cities!

Whether you’re moving to Kansas City or a suburb like Blue Springs, talk to people you know who live in the city. There are pros and cons to every town. Find those out beforehand and make sure you are comfortable with each one.

If you visit the city first, spend time in different parts of town. It’s one of the many ways you can research a neighborhood, and get an authentic feel for what it’s like to live there. Drive the area during the day and at night because you’ll notice different things at different times of the day.

While the city has plenty to offer, the suburbs are just a short drive away. Making it easy to drive downtown for work or pleasure!

Find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, weather, public transportation, and laws that are specific to that area. Kansas City has highly ranked schools on both the Kansas and Missouri side.

In addition to the culture of a city, consider the cost to live. Cost of living calculators make it easy to compare the value of your salary in various cities. Consider all expenses. Will insurance rates go up or down? Will you have to pay taxes on your car? These rules and rates vary from state to state, so prepare yourself.

If you’re thinking about moving to Kansas City, you’ve chosen a great city. With professional baseball and football, great BBQ, high-quality schools, parks, trails, lakes, endless attractions, and affordable housing you’ll always have something to do.

Find Kansas City Homes For Sale

2. Best neighborhoods in Kansas City

You’re moving to Kansas City, but where should you live?

The best places to live in Kansas City are on both sides of the state line. Schools are a big deciding factor. Check out our Kansas City area school finder to find out more about the districts.

In Kansas, Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley Schools are among the best.

In Missouri, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, and Lee’s Summit schools consistently earn top honors.

Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit schools recently earned top honors by Niche, earning top spots among public schools in Missouri.

They’re also close to lakes and green space providing homeowners plenty of recreational opportunities too for hiking and boating.

As an experienced real estate agent who works and lives in Eastern Jackson County, I can help you find the best neighborhoods in Kansas City. Some of them are new construction neighborhoods.

In Blue Springs, Stone Canyon features a golf course community and Sonora Valley provides maintenance to homeowners. Also, the Four Pillars Estates neighborhood in Blue Springs has many newly opened lots and you can bring your own builder to the neighborhood. Finally, Brittany Ridge is an established neighborhood with new home sites available as well. The bonus – you’ll get the award-winning Blue Springs schools but pay Independence taxes which are less.

Grain Valley new construction features Ryan Meadows and Rosewood Hills. The 9th phase just opened in Rosewood Hills offering homebuyers the opportunity to pick your own lot, with some even backing up to green space.

You can’t always rely on a home’s address for the school district as boundaries cross city lines. That’s another reason a real estate agent helps you if you’re relocating to KC. The Sally Moore Real Estate Team is making it easy to find homes for sale in the top rated school districts. Just click on one of the options below, and start your home search today.

Search for Homes For Sale in the Lee’s Summit School District

Find Homes For Sale in the Grain Valley School District

Search for Homes for Sale in the Blue Springs School District

Take a house-hunting mission, and drive around the city with your Realtor®. Many companies will pay for these trips. They give you a good feel for the area, schools, and housing options. Reality is often different than what you read, and that’s why a real estate agent is so important.

While online research is an essential part of moving to a new city, don’t rely on it. Trust the locals and your real estate agent.

Once you decide to move, hire a well-established Kansas City Realtor® who can guide you through your home search. You want someone who is involved in the community and knows the best Kansas City area neighborhoods to live in. Also, you need to choose which side of the state line to live — Kansas or Missouri!

Here are the latest housing trends for the Kansas City real estate market so you know what to expect!

Let us know how we can help your search for a new home in the Kansas City area.

3. Buy vs rent

Before you pack up the moving truck, have a moving plan. Know where you’re going to live before you move. Housing is the number one priority when you’re relocating. It affects your lifestyle in your new city, so team up with someone who can help you find the right location.

Decide if you’ll buy or rent. Even if you’re not buying a house, don’t sign a lease for an apartment you haven’t seen.

If you can’t get to the apartment, have someone check it out for you.

Also, make a plan for your pets. Moving is tough on them too. There are steps you can take to prepare your pets for the move and make them comfortable more quickly in their new city.

Having a plan for every step of your relocation makes moving less stressful.

4. Don’t rush into a home purchase

While it can be overwhelming to move to temporary housing and then move again once you find a home, it’s the best thing you can do if you’re not sure where you want to live.

For some families, it’s obvious. They choose communities like Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs because of the schools and proximity to Kansas City.

Other families aren’t sure. There are lots of choices including Kansas versus Missouri, suburbs versus urban communities and downtown versus midtown.

I specialize in the Eastern Jackson communities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Independence, Oak Grove, and Lee’s Summit. You can sign up for personalized alerts for homes for sale in these areas.

Affordable Homes for First-Time Homebuyers

Homes for Sale in Grain Valley Under $300K

Homes for Sale in Blue Springs Under $300K With A Basement

With so many options, it’s crucial you find the right neighborhood for your family.

If you don’t have a 20-percent down payment, there are many Kansas City down payment assistance programs to help with your home purchase. You don’t always have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify.

Many employers will pay for temporary housing, so consider it if you’re not finding the house of your dreams in your new city.

Get a FREE Homebuyer Guide

5. Have a job waiting for you

It’s expensive to move! So, get a job first! Or at least know what you’ll do for money in the first few weeks of living there.

6. Moving budget

When you’re moving, create a budget and stick to it.

Remember those insurance and tax questions you asked yourself when you researched your new city? They’ll affect your budget.

Cost of living calculators are great tools, as well as first-hand insight from a friend or Realtor®.

7. How to find trusted movers

Moving is expensive and a daunting task. Your real estate agent is an excellent resource for finding a trusted mover. Find a well-established company, with a good track record. As a long-time resident, I know the Kansas City moving companies worth hiring.

For an out of state move, even from Kansas to Missouri, you’ll need a moving company registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Ask for the company’s DOT number, and research them to protect yourself from moving fraud. It takes seconds. Enter the DOT number here, and you’ll instantly see the number of complaints from other consumers, safety violations, and more.

Once you find a mover, get a written estimate. Make sure they do an in-person visual inspection of your property rather than just a guestimate based on the number of rooms in your home.

Finally, insure your personal property. Check with your insurance agent to see if your policy covers your property during the move. If it doesn’t cover you, purchase moving insurance. Without it, you’ll get a fraction of your property’s value if the movers break something. Moving insurance offers you the protection you need in case something gets broken.

8. Get involved in the Kansas City community

While your to-do list is long once you move to a new city, it’s important to take time to get familiar with your new city. Start, by getting involved.

Don’t expect the neighbors to knock your door down with a casserole when you arrive. Take the initiative and try new things.

As a longtime resident and former television reporter in Kansas City, I know the area well. I’d love to show you around. Let me know how I can help!

The post Moving to Kansas City: How To Make The Most Of Your Move appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

1. Nationally Recognized Schools

The Blue Springs R-IV School System is one of the best in the nation, consistently earning top honors for student success in and out of the classroom.

It’s no wonder national publications like US News and World Report name Blue Springs among the best. The district features Blue Ribbon Schools, small class sizes, and top student performance on standardized testing.

Learn what makes the district one of the best nationally, locally, and in Missouri.

2. Affordable housing

Not to be outdone by the schools, the housing market shines brightly in Blue Springs. HomesUnion, Wallet Hub, and Money Magazine recognized the town’s home values in its lists for top cities in the country.

Blue Springs made it to the #1 spot on HomesUnion’s list of top cities for families.

Sonora Valley is a maintenance provided community in Blue Springs with villas up to 4 bedroom homes.

Brittany Ridge offers residents access to the award-winning Blue Springs Schools and lower Independence taxes.

Blue Springs Homes For Sale Under $200,000 With A Basement

Homes For Sale in the Blue Springs School District

Start your custom home search today!

3. Golf Course Communities

Blue Springs offers several golf course communities for the avid golfer including Stone Canyon, Adams Pointe Village, and Country Club Gardens.

You’ll find Country Club Gardens near Blue Springs Country Club.

Stone Canyon Golf Club surrounds the Stone Canyon neighborhood.

Adams Pointe Village also backs up to the Adams Pointe Golf Club.

Whether you’re a golfer or just enjoy the view, there are several subdivisions located near a golf course.

4. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area and Nature Center offers 1,071 acres of property to hike and relax in nature.

It offers hiking trails and a nature center winding through glades, savannas as, woodlands, prairies, limestone boulders, ponds, and creeks. Burr Oak is popular with bird watchers.

5. Fleming Park

Fleming Park is a gem in Jackson County offering two lakes, a radio-controlled airfield, campgrounds, fishing, two marinas, a soccer field, Fleming Park Nature Preserve and Center, and trails. More than 1,300,000 people visit Fleming Park every year.

Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake are both located in Fleming Park in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Lake Jacomo is a 970-acre lake considered Jackson County Parks and Recreations’ premier recreational center. On a busy weekend, you’ll find it filled with sailboats, pontoon boats, paddle boards, windsurfers, and other leisure boats.

With a full marina, you can rent boats, fish, and more.

You’ll also find Blue Springs Lake in Fleming Park. With 720 acres of water, it’s popular with bigger boats than you’ll see at Lake Jacomo. Water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing are popular on Blue Springs Lake.

Blue Springs Lake is known for its fishing with tree-lined shores and big catches like Largemouth Bass, Carp, Catfish, Bluegill, and Hybrid Striped Bass.

The two areas also offer camping, trails, the historic Missouri Town 1855, picnic areas, beaches, fishing, marinas, sail boat cover, boat docs, animal enclosure, and Kemper Outdoor Education Center.

6. Park system

The Blue Springs Park System includes 596 acres, including preserved areas. There are 20 parks offering outdoor activities for everyone.

While not city parks, Blue Springs also offers two recreational lakes and marinas. Whether you’re interested in lounging by the beach, fishing, leisure boating, or power boating Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake offer it all.

There are also 17 developed public parks and the Blue Springs Country Club Public Golf Course.

Courtesy: City of Blue Springs

7. Recreation

Blue Springs Fieldhouse is a 76,000 square foot state of the art recreational facility. It offers 200 hours of adult sports leagues, 45 fitness classes, and 13 Fieldhouse programs. The fitness center offers adult and family activities.

The Hidden Valley Sports Complex offers 116 acres of competitive amateur sports. It includes football and soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, and mud volleyball courts.

8. Public art

Public art dots the landscape in Blue Springs.

The city’s focus on public art started in 2000. You’ll find sculptures, murals, and fountains.

9. Support of local business

Local businesses flourish in Blue Springs, with a push to buy local. The mission is Buy Blue Springs – “Because Next Door Means More”. It supports the local community and offers product diversity for customers.

10. Location

Finally, location is the tenth reason to live in Blue Springs. Located on I-70, which runs through the state from Kansas City to St. Louis, Blue Springs is on the eastern edge of the KC metro.

Just 20 miles from downtown, Blue Springs residents have the amenities of downtown Kansas City within an easy drive.

Related links: 
Why Blue Springs Schools are among the best in the nation
Must Read Guide to Stone Canyon of Blue Springs

The post Top 10 Reasons To Live In Blue Springs appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

Lee’s Summit School District Innovation

Public school students attend either Lee’s Summit R-7 schools or the Blue Springs School District, so check the school district zoning carefully when looking for homes. Both districts consistently earn top honors. In Blue Springs, the district passed 23 consecutive bond elections to fund the schools. You can’t go wrong in either community.

In Lee’s Summit, you’ll find three high schools serving the 17,927 students. Lee’s Summit West High School, Lee’s Summit North, and Lee’s Summit Senior High.

Lee’s Summit West was ranked #16 in the state of Missouri by Niche, a comprehensive school ranking site.

Lee’s Summit North ranked #21 for best public high schools in the 2020 rankings by Niche.

Lee’s Summit Senior High School came in at #19.

Students living in Greenwood, Lake Lotawana, Lake Winnebago, unincorporated eastern Jackson County, and a small portion of Blue Springs and Kansas City also attend Lee’s Summit Schools.

With innovative programs like Summit Technology Academy and the Missouri Innovation Campus, students leave high school with a head-start in the skills they need for college and the workforce.

Related Link: How to find the perfect neighborhood

Summit Technology Academy

Junior and seniors in high school have the opportunity to attend Summit Technology Academy. The Academy focuses on STEM classes and careers like network engineering, software development, cybersecurity, health science, biomedical science, nursing, digital media, aerospace, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, teacher preparation, and international studies.

It’s recognized as a leader in innovation for preparing students for high demand and high paying careers. The Academy is a top training and recruiting school for businesses and colleges.

Approximately 87-percent of Summit Technology Academy graduates attend a 2 or 4-year college majoring in a STEM career.

Missouri Innovation Campus

High school students also have the opportunity to earn college credits and valuable business skills through Metropolitan Community College and the Missouri Innovation Campus. It’s a unique partnership between the Lee’s Summit School District, higher education, and the business community.

By the end of the program, students are highly skilled in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. They have the skills needed to get high paying jobs just two years after high school. Plus, the program is affordable leaving students with little to no debt.

Missouri Innovation Campus students graduate high school with an associates degree. After high school, students in the program attend the University of Central Missouri.

While most students attending college have large amounts of debt, that’s not the case for students in the Innovation program. Debt is low for these students due to student jobs, tuition forgiveness, shared tuition, low-interest student loans, and paid internships.

Students in the program have a 4-year degree after just 2- years of college, little to no debt, paid internships, and highly sought after skills needed for a high paying career. Cerner and DST, two leading Kansas City employers, partner with the Missouri Innovation Center.

Lee’s Summit School District Awards

When Money Magazine put the city in its annual “Best Places to Live” list, the Lee’s Summit School system received praise. The community offers a strong commitment to primary and secondary education.

The district also receives many other top honors. The schools earned a spot on Businessweek magazine’s “Best Places in America to Raise Kids” list. The magazine only selects one town from each state. Lee’s Summit earned the honor for Missouri due to school performance, affordability, and safety.

Lee’s Summit Schools won Missouri’s Distinction in Performance Award for 11 years. This award is the state’s highest academic achievement honor. The District also received the Governor’s Choice for Excellence award.

U.S. News and World Report also recognized Lee’s Summit High School and Lee’s Summit West High School on its 2016 list of “America’s Best High Schools.”

In 2020, Niche named it one of the best districts in the nation, state, and Kansas City area. It’s teachers stood out among the nation’s best.

Lee’s Summit School choices

Private opportunities are also available at Saint Michael the Archangel High School and Summit Christian Academy. Summit is the number one accredited Christian school in Kansas City.

There are also two colleges in Lee’s Summit including Metropolitan Community College – Longview and a branch of the University of Central Missouri.

Lee’s Summit offers many educational opportunities at your doorstep, from elementary school to college. There’s easy access to recognized programs.

Search for your next home in Lee’s Summit

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The post How Lee’s Summit Schools Constantly Rise To The Top appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

Blue Springs High Schools

U.S. News and World Report ranked Blue Springs High School among the best in the country. Ranking factors include student performance, state testing, and college prep classes.

Locally, Blue Springs is also a top district in the Kansas City area and the state of Missouri.

Here’s a quick look at some of the district’s honors:

• National recognition: U.S. News and World Report silver medal for Blue Springs High School
• Missouri: Blue Springs High School #27 Niche 2020 Best Missouri Public High School
• Missouri: Blue Springs South High School #20 Niche 2020 Best Public High Schools
• Missouri: Blue Springs R-IV School District ranked 6th best school district in the state by Niche
• Kansas City metro recognition: Highest performing Kansas City district in 2015-2016
• Missouri recognition: Highest scores of similarly sized districts in the state
• Staff: 85% have a Master’s degree or above
• Extracurricular activity honors: Golden Regiment and Jaguar Pride marching bands, basketball, cheerleading, football, debate, and cross country teams are all considered among the best in their respective sport or extracurricular activity.

There are more than 14-thousand students in the Blue Springs School District, but the focus is still on small class sizes.

Academic Programs

The Blue Springs School District is known for its academic and extracurricular excellence.

With over 100 extracurricular activities available, and specialty courses, there’s something for every student. The Blue Springs School District offers computer coding courses, early childhood education partnership with the KC Zoo, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program, over 200 school and business partnerships, and the Trailblazer Collegiate Academy Associates Degree Program.

High school students have the opportunity to graduate with an associates degree through a unique partnership with Metropolitan Community College. The Trailblazer Collegiate Academy (TCA) gives students a jumpstart on their college education while in high school. Plus, the program reduces the cost of higher education.

Nationally recognized marching bands

State championships and nationally ranked programs are part of the outstanding tradition in the Blue Springs School district.

The Blue Springs High School Golden Regiment and Blue Springs South High School Jaguar Pride marching bands are concerned among the best in the nation.

The Golden Regiment is the first from Missouri to be named a Grand National finalist. They finished 10^th out of 105 of the nation’s top marching bands in the Grand National Championships.

Championship sports

On the field, Blue Springs students also outperform their peers.

While the tradition of excellence goes back years, recently the track team won its third track and field state championship in four seasons.

The Blue Springs South football team won three state championships, and Blue Springs Wildcats are five-time state champions,

The district as a whole shines, as do the individual schools. Great!Schools offers a snapshot of individual school performance so that you can check the schools in your Blue Springs neighborhood.

Homes for sale

Looking for a home for sale in the Blue Springs School District? I’ve been working as a Blue Springs Realtor® for more than a decade, and previously worked in television in the area, so I know the neighborhoods and reputation of this community well.

This is a list of the latest homes for sale, sorted by newest home for sale. Click “View All Results” to see even more!

View all homes in the Blue Springs district sorted by price. 

The Sally Moore Real Estate Team works with homeowners in several established Blue Springs neighborhoods and also new communities in the district including Stone Canyon, Four Pillars, Brittany Ridge, and Sonora Valley.

Blue Springs is just one of the school districts in Jackson County earning top honors. Lee’s Summit Schools also consistently earn national, state, and local recognition. Search for a home in the Lee’s Summit School District. 

Both photos courtesy of: Belinda Johnson / B. Johnson Photography

The post Why Blue Springs Schools Are Among The Best appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

1. DIY vs. professional movers

When you’re moving to a new home, you can DIY or hire a professional moving company. For a local move, some people only hire professionals for the big stuff like beds, couches, and dressers. Think about the best strategy for your family.

A moving calculator, like the one offered by Realtor®.com, gives you an estimate of how much to budget for a professional mover. You can even get several quotes with the click of a button.

Most moving truck rental companies offer similar calculators so you can calculate how much the move will cost whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.

If you do it yourself, don’t forget to consider gas and time. Moving trucks take more gas than a regular car, and your time is valuable. Consider those expenses when comparing the costs of a professional or DIY move.

Ask family and friends for moving company suggestions. Also, talk with your Realtor®. They have an extensive network of service providers they work with and are a great resource in the community.

Then, research the mover with consumer groups like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Facebook.

Take all complaints with a grain of salt. Sometimes there’s just an unhappy customer. There are always two sides to every story. The complaints give you a good idea of what to expect, though.

If you’re making an out of state move, research your moving company with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

If you’re moving within Kansas City, contact me for recommendations. We work with people moving all the time, so we can help you out.

2. Get three quotes

Moving costs vary dramatically. Get three quotes, and you’ll see what I mean. Some companies charge per room, and others charge by the hour. It’s a personal decision which you choose. If you get three quotes, you’re sure to find a company that makes you comfortable.

While online moving calculators and quotes give you a budget baseline, make sure the company you hire inspects your home first. You don’t want disappointment or a surprise fee on moving day for having more furniture or boxes than the mover expected.

3. Buy moving insurance

So many families skip the insurance. It’s critical in a move, no matter the distance. If you the movers damage a $500 light, you may get just a few bucks for it if it’s lightweight. It depends on how much it weighs. The typical payout is 60-cents a pound, for items damaged during a move where there’s not a supplemental moving insurance policy.

If you buy moving insurance, which isn’t that expensive, you’ll get replacement cost for that item.

Also, check with your insurance company to see if your standard homeowners or rental policy covers the move. It depends on the plan.

Make sure you ask about insurance.

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving down the street to another Kansas City neighborhood, or to another suburb like Grain Valley. Damage happens during a move, so protect yourself.

4. Take a moving inventory

When you’re packing, stay organized. While many moving companies number your boxes, you may want to label them as well. Know how many boxes you have and what’s in them.

Keep a list of the boxes and the contents. You may even consider taking a photo, so you can prove you packed the items appropriately.

A color-coded system works well so movers can quickly identify what item goes where when you move into your new home.

Remember, decluttering first will make moving and organization easier!

5. Keep the boxes from getting too heavy

Pack boxes lightly even if you’re hiring a professional moving company. Don’t put a bunch of heavy items in one box.

Ultimately, the boxes break.

If a box is heavy, make sure you label it, so the mover knows before picking it up.

While you don’t want your boxes too heavy, pack them tightly to prevent them from squishing when stacked on top of one another.

6. Don’t pack everything

There are some items you don’t want to give to the movers. You want to take these to your new home yourself. These include plants, which the movers likely won’t take anyway. You also want to bring all medication and personal documents with you. These are items you don’t want to get lost or end up in the wrong hands.

This is easier to do with a local move within a city, but just as important for an out of state move.

7. Have a plan for your pets

Moving is stressful, even for your pets. Pack slowly, so all their favorite toys don’t disappear at once. Keep your pets in a separate room on moving day, so they’re not upset by the commotion. With careful planning, you can survive a move with pets.

8. Inspect items upon delivery

When your movers finish the job, they’ll have you sign a form indicating the move is successful, and there’s no damage. Of course, you won’t unpack every box by the time the movers leave, so it’s difficult to find all the damaged items immediately. However, take a look at big ticket items and make sure they’re in good working condition before you sign the final moving documents. Try to unpack as quickly as possible so you can report damage. Take photos of the damaged item while it’s still in the box.

9. Cancel utilities

While moving is your primary focus, there are other miscellaneous tasks that you need to keep in mind. Cancel your utilities – cable, power, gas, water, etc. If you have automatic payments, and you won’t be using the same service anymore, stop the auto withdrawals and provide the utility company with your updated address in case there’s one last bill.

10. Change your address

Several weeks before you move, fill out the change of address paperwork with the United States Postal Service. You can do it online. It costs $1, and it’s to verify your identity.

You’ll give a starting date for mail forwarding. To make sure it’s processed on time, start this process early.

Even though you change it with the USPS, you still need to call creditors and other companies you do business with and give them your updated information.

The post Ultimate Moving Guide: How To Move Like A Pro appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

Moving with pets

I’m an animal lover, so I empathize with families when they’re moving and worrying about their pets too. Let’s face it, buying or selling a home is already stressful, even without pets!

Our fur babies (see mine below ) sense change is underway, and a move can easily spook an animal. The last thing you want is a dog or cat running away during a move.

After closing, homeowners are excited to move in and make their new space feel like home! You might get quite the opposite reaction from an animal. Cats may run and hide. They’re typically more scared than dogs and take longer to adjust according to the Humane Society.

That’s not to say a move is simple for every dog. Some struggle with a new surrounding, depending on the pet’s demeanor. To ease the transition, bring your pet’s favorite things from your old home to your new home, and set them up as soon as possible, so your pet feels comfortable in his new home.

Just like every other part of the move, moving with pets takes preparation before, during, and after the move.

Ten steps to survive a move with pets

1. Update your pet’s tags

Knowing that your pet may be confused by his new surrounding, update your pet’s tags in preparation for moving. Make sure he has a collar and identification tag with your phone number, in case he runs off.

2. Stick to a normal schedule

When you’re packing up your old house, your pet picks up on it. He realizes something is off. The Humane Society points out that dogs pick up on our emotions and energy, but they don’t know what’s going on other than something is off. That’s why it’s important to stick to your pet’s routine, so there’s some sense of normalcy while you’re packing up.

3. Give your pet an escape on moving day

On moving day, keep your pet in a safe location that’s away from the action. It throws a pet off to see movers coming in and out of the house, moving your furnishings that your pet’s snuggled on.

To prevent your pet from escaping, keep him confined in a crate in a back room. Or, send him to a doggy daycare or friend’s house.

4. Get your pet comfortable with his new surroundings

Take your dog or cat for a tour of the new space and neighborhood. Get him familiar with his surroundings.

Set out his favorite toys, bedding, and food. Make him feel comfortable in his new home.

Then get back on schedule as soon as possible!

5. Give your pet a “home base”

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests giving your pet a home base. Have them adjust to one room at a time. The home base should have their crate, favorite toys, treats, water, food, and litter box.

Once they’re comfortable, introduce them to other rooms in the home.

6. Pack smartly

Your pet’s favorite toys, food, medication, and bedding are some of the last things you want to pack. Put them in your car, rather than the moving van. That way you can unload them when you get the keys to your new home.

7. Get your animal familiar with the crate

Get your pet accustomed to the crate, weeks before you move. Have the pet sleep, take naps, or eat in the crate in the days before your move.

The more familiar your pet is with his surroundings, the easier it will be for him to acclimate.

8. Pet-proof your new home

While most homes are empty when you purchase them, some sellers leave behind little odds and ends. Whether it’s tools, cleaning supplies, or just junk.

Walk around your house and make sure it’s free of poisonous or dangerous items for pets.

Also, secure window screens. If there’s a fence, make sure it’s safe in all spots.

9. Medication

If you’re making a long distance move, pack extra medicine in case of emergency. Your new vet won’t be able to prescribe medicine without seeing your animal first. So, it’s better to pack an extra dose just in case you don’t get to the vet right away. After all, you have other things to worry about when you’re settling into a new home.

10. Get veterinary records & find a new vet

If you’re moving out of town, get your animal’s veterinary records before you leave. Ask for a copy of his vaccinations and medical history.

You also want to find a new vet before you leave your old home. Ask your Realtor for recommendations. If they’re an animal lover, like I am, they’ll have plenty of suggestions. I know lots of Kansas City veterinarians, and am always willing to help my animal loving clients! After all, our pets are part of the family too!

The post Ten Ways To Survive A Move With Pets appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.