"I treasure all of the wonderful memories of the friends, teachers, and experiences I had during my time at The Schoolhouse.  It was a fantastic opportunity I will never forget."

To provide quality education in a home-like environment, where each student has the opportunity to

• be appreciated and celebrated as a unique person with individual patterns of learning and growth
  

• obtain a solid academic foundation of math, reading and computer literacy, which serve as the springboard for life-long learning in all subject areas
  

• recognize, appreciate and build upon their individual strengths, take responsibility for their learning, and work at their own best pace
  

• develop strong moral values, personal integrity, and a sense of responsibility for themselves, their families, and their community.
  

Teachers -  Staff - Mission Statement

The Mission of the Schoolhouse is..

Mary Childers -

3rd through 6th grade.

Principal./head teacher Mary Childers founded The Schoolhouse in 1971.  Mary did her undergraduate work at the University of Kansas where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.  She earned her master of arts degree in curriculum and teaching from Columbia University's Teachers College in New York City.  A native of Independence, Mary first taught in local public schools.  Following years of dreaming and studying, she and a colleague created The Schoolhouse.  Mary has mainly taught older children in elementary grades.  She loves teaching young learners and helping them develop the skills that will enable them "to walk the world alone with dignity."

Martha "Marty" McAnally -

Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade.

Marty graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. During her years of teaching she has taught every grade level from preschool to high school. She has been at the Schoolhouse for 10 years. Marty is very gifted in arts and design. Along with her regular class, she teaches a Wednesday afternoon art class from 1:30 to 3pm for all the students at the school.

Ralph Corse. Computers and Technology. 

Ralph teaches computer and programming classes part time at the Schoolhouse. Ralph also helps with school yard maintenance and assists Mary with other computer maintenance requirements. He has a back ground in Computer IT support while working in  aviation testing for 13 years. Ralph is also a teacher's assistant at the UMKC school of medicine.

Kelly Erisman Riely. Music

Kelly teaches music to the students twice a week at the Schoolhouse. Kelly has a Music degree from the Univeristy of Central Missouri. A mother of two, she enjoys working with children.