Kansas City MO

Kansas City, Missouri is a vibrant place with rich culture, tasty food, and a lot of heart. Known for its music, fountains, and sports, this city has plenty of surprising facts to discover. Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about Kansas City, MO:

1. Fountain Capital of the World – Kansas City has more than 200 fountains, second only to Rome.
2. Two States, One City – Kansas City is split between Missouri and Kansas, but the larger part is in Missouri.
3. Famous BBQ – The city is world-famous for its slow-smoked barbecue and boasts over 100 BBQ joints.
4. Home of Jazz – Kansas City played a major role in the growth of jazz music during the 20th century.
5. Birthplace of Walt Disney’s Career – Walt Disney started his first animation studio in Kansas City.
6. Original “City of Fountains” – Some fountains here are over 100 years old and operate year-round.
7. Underground Skyscrapers – The city uses more than 5 million square feet of underground space for offices and businesses.
8. Sports City – Home to proud teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, fans take their sports seriously here.
9. Boulevard Brewing Co. – Kansas City is home to one of the largest craft breweries in the Midwest—Boulevard Brewing Company.
10. Union Station’s Comeback – Once nearly torn down, Union Station now draws over a million visitors each year with exhibits, science events, and theaters.

Kansas City, MO boasts a diverse and growing economy with strengths in healthcare, transportation, technology, and manufacturing. As a central hub in the Midwest, Kansas City offers strong career opportunities in both corporate and hands-on fields. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in the area.

Top 5 Jobs in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, Missouri is home to some of the best high schools in the Midwest, offering strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and enriching extracurricular opportunities to help students succeed both in college and in life.

Top Public High Schools In Kansas City, MO

• Park Hill High School – Known for its high test scores, dedicated teachers, and a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Park Hill also excels in athletics and fine arts programs.
• Lincoln College Preparatory Academy – A top-ranked magnet school offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Recognized nationally for academic excellence and college readiness.
• Park Hill South High School – Offers advanced academics and strong leadership programs. The school is highly rated for its student support services and diverse extracurriculars.
• Liberty North High School – Located in the Kansas City metro area, Liberty North is praised for its strong academic performance and safe learning environment.
• North Kansas City High School – A vibrant and diverse high school offering IB and AP programs. The school focuses on college preparation and student engagement.

Top Private High Schools In Kansas City, MO

• Rockhurst High School – A prestigious Jesuit school known for its academic rigor, leadership training, and strong alumni network. Offers faith-based education with a focus on service.
• The Barstow School – A top private college-preparatory school with a strong record in STEM, arts, and international programs. Barstow provides small classes and individualized attention.
• Pembroke Hill School – Offers a challenging curriculum and values-based education. The school boasts impressive college placement results and extensive extracurricular offerings.
• St. Teresa’s Academy – An all-girls Catholic school that blends faith, academics, and leadership education. Known for emphasis on character and college readiness.
• Notre Dame de Sion High School – A private, Catholic, all-girls school with a strong academic focus. Sion offers AP classes and extracurricular opportunities that promote critical thinking and global awareness.

Kansas City, Missouri is home to several respected public and private colleges and universities that offer a wide range of academic programs. These institutions boast strong reputations in fields such as health sciences, arts, business, and technology. Whether you're looking for affordable public education or an intimate private college experience, Kansas City provides quality higher education options.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Kansas City, MO

University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) – As a member of the University of Missouri system, UMKC is a leading public research university with nationally recognized programs in health sciences, entrepreneurship, arts, and engineering. Its School of Medicine and School of Law are among its most highly regarded.

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) – MCC is one of the oldest public colleges in Kansas City and offers associate degrees, certifications, and workforce development training. With multiple campuses, including Penn Valley and Longview, MCC serves thousands of students each year.

Rockhurst University (partially public through public partnerships) – While primarily private, Rockhurst maintains strong local partnerships with public health entities and offers programs in nursing and health sciences that benefit from public funding and collaboration.

Maple Woods – Metropolitan Community College – A part of the MCC system, Maple Woods focuses on general education as well as programs in veterinary technology, liberal arts, and business studies, providing students with excellent transfer options.

Blue River – Metropolitan Community College – Another MCC campus, Blue River is known for its criminal justice and emergency response programs alongside a variety of associate degree pathways and career training programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Kansas City, MO

Rockhurst University – A top private Jesuit institution, Rockhurst is well-known for its strong business, healthcare, and liberal arts programs. Its MBA and Occupational Therapy programs are highly respected both nationally and regionally.

Avila University – This Catholic university offers personalized education in nursing, education, business, psychology, and the arts. It stands out for its commitment to service, leadership, and academic excellence.

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) – KCAI is a nationally acclaimed private college of art and design. It offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in a wide range of creative disciplines including illustration, graphic design, photography, and painting.

Research College of Nursing – Affiliated with HCA Midwest Health, this private college specializes in nursing education. It offers a rigorous BSN program and a graduate program in nursing leadership, serving future nurses in a strong clinical setting.

Calvary University – A small private Christian university, Calvary offers undergraduate and graduate programs in ministry, education, and counseling. Known for its faith-based approach, it is a respected institution in the religious and pastoral education space.

Kansas City, Missouri is known for its passionate sports culture and loyal fan base. The city is home to some of the most recognizable teams in professional sports, known for their history, success, and strong community ties.

🏈 Football – Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

• Kansas City Chiefs – One of the most iconic teams in the NFL, the Chiefs have won three Super Bowl championships (1969, 2019, 2023). Known for their electric offense led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have become one of the league's most dominant teams in recent years under head coach Andy Reid.

⚾ Baseball – Kansas City Royals (MLB)

• Kansas City Royals – The Royals have captured two World Series titles (1985 and 2015). The team's underdog victory in 2015 was especially memorable, powered by a strong bullpen and players like Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez, and Lorenzo Cain. The Royals remain a staple of the summer sports scene in Kansas City.

⚽ Soccer – Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

• Sporting Kansas City – Originally known as the Kansas City Wizards, the club has won two MLS Cups (2000 and 2013) and has consistently been one of the top teams in Major League Soccer. With dedicated fans filling Children's Mercy Park, Sporting KC blends exciting play with strong community outreach.

🏒 Hockey – Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)

• Kansas City Mavericks – Competing in the ECHL, the Mavericks offer exciting minor league hockey and draw crowds throughout the season. Based in nearby Independence, Missouri, the team has been a popular draw for local hockey fans and provides a family-friendly sporting experience.

Kansas City, MO, offers plenty of fantastic spots for students to take a break, enjoy themselves, and explore the city's unique culture. Whether you're a foodie or someone who loves the outdoors, there's always something fun to do.

Westport – This historic area is filled with vibrant coffee shops, quirky boutiques, and live music venues. It's perfect for relaxing with friends over a cup of coffee or catching a live band in the evening.

Country Club Plaza – With its Spanish-inspired architecture, the Plaza is ideal for shopping or dining. You can take a stroll along the scenic fountains and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Kansas City River Market – A visit to the River Market offers a wide selection of food from around the world. Start your day with fresh produce from the City Market and explore the unique shops nearby.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – For a dose of culture and relaxation, the Nelson-Atkins Museum is an excellent choice. Check out the impressive artwork and relax in the serene Sculpture Park.

Boulevard Brewing Company – Enjoy a tour of this popular brewery, or simply chill in the Beer Hall with friends while enjoying some of Kansas City's best brews.

Swope Park – If you're into nature and outdoor activities, Swope Park offers hiking trails, a golf course, and even a zoo. It's a great place to unwind and reconnect with nature.