The top reported proficiency rate is 22% in Science. The lowest is 12% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Kairos Academies
Kairos Academies is a small district in St. Louis city serving grades five through ten, though publicly reported updates indicate it has expanded to serve through grade twelve and is preparing to graduate its first class of seniors. The district operates two school buildings, one called Kairos Academies and one called Kairos High. Because it is a relatively new and growing charter district, it does not yet have a graduation rate to report; a parent should expect that metric to become available as the first senior class completes.
The student body is predominantly Black, with a smaller share of white students and a notable proportion of students who identify as two or more races. The district does not report the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals or the share of students receiving special education services or English learner support, so families cannot assess economic or special-population context from this data alone. The enrollment is modest for a district covering upper elementary through high school grades.
Academically, Kairos Academies posts proficiency rates on Missouri’s state assessments that are low. In every tested subject and grade where results are available, the percentage of students scoring proficient or above falls well below what a typical St. Louis city district achieves. The district’s overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile among St. Louis city’s districts. A small number of students in grade five had their results suppressed for privacy reasons, but the pattern for grades six through eight in math, English language arts, and science is consistent: most students are not reaching the proficient level. In math, the share of students meeting the bar rises slightly from grade six to grade eight but remains low throughout. In ELA, there is a gradual increase across grades, yet even the highest grade tested, grade eight, shows only a modest share of students proficient. Science results for grade eight are similarly low. This pattern suggests that while there may be some growth as students progress, the district is still working to build strong academic foundations.
Chronic absenteeism is a significant concern. Kairos Academies reports a chronic absenteeism rate that places it in the bottom quartile among St. Louis city’s districts, meaning a substantial portion of students miss enough school to affect learning. A parent considering the district would want to understand what supports are in place to improve attendance and whether the school environment actively works to keep students engaged.
On the financial side, the district spends more per pupil than most districts in the city, in the upper range of its peers. This higher spending may reflect the costs of operating as a standalone charter with its own infrastructure and staffing model.
Publicly reported developments indicate several changes underway. The district expanded its grade span to include high school grades, giving families a continuous option from middle school through graduation. It raised starting teacher pay as part of a commitment called Teacher First Compensation, which aims to attract and retain teaching talent. Its charter was renewed through a multi-year contract, providing operational stability for families enrolled or considering enrollment. These steps suggest an active effort to build a stronger school system.
Kairos Academies fits a family looking for a small, growing charter option in St. Louis city that serves middle and high school grades under one roof. The academic landscape is a work in progress; proficiency rates are low and chronic absenteeism is high. The district is making structural moves around staffing, grade offerings, and charter renewal that signal a long-term commitment. A parent should investigate the academic support strategies, attendance interventions, and special education and English learner services (since those data are not available here) before making a decision. The absence of a graduation rate and limited state testing history mean that the district’s track record is still being written.
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