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Mission, Philosophy, & History

Our Mission

The mission of The Summit Preparatory School is to prepare learners for success by providing a progressive education with a challenging curriculum in a supportive environment.

Our Philosophy​

The Summit, in Springfield, MO, engages each learner as a partner in reaching his or her highest potential. Student learning is fostered through the development of curiosity, creativity, and critical-thinking skills, establishing a strong intellectual and social-emotional foundation. Collaboration with others and effective communication of independent thought are modeled and encouraged. 

No matter where you begin the process of your educational journey with The Summit, from our early childhood program to our primary school through high school, your child will earn more than a diploma as they engage in an interactive process of discovering the relevance of their lessons to the world outside.

Our History​

2004

Parents join together to develop Independent School of Springfield, a unique educational opportunity in Springfield, Missouri emphasizing the joy of learning.

2005

The Summit Preparatory School of Southwest Missouri opened as a K-5 school.

The Summit moves to the education wing of Wesley United Methodist Church in southwest Springfield.

2006

The Summit expands its academic offerings to include an Upper School program serving 6th through 8th grades. 

2007

The Summit continues to grow its Upper School program, with the addition of high school classes. 

2010

The Summit adds a PreKindergarten program and moves to Chesterfield Village to accommodate its growing enrollment.

2011

A Beginners program, ages 3 and 4, opens to create a complete Early Learners program. 

2012

The Summit is awarded full membership in the  Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS).

The Summit graduates first class of high school seniors. 

2013

The Summit adds an Athletic Program, with 7th-12th Grade MSHSAA Sports.

2014

The Summit hires Mr. Robert Gronniger to lead The Summit Prep.

2014-15 Academic Year marks the ten year anniversary of The Summit Preparatory School. 

2018

The Summit purchases and renovates its new campus at 202 E. Walnut Lawn Street. The first permanent home for the school

Kathryn M. Heet, Ed.D becomes the Head of School at The Summit Preparatory School. 

2020

The Summit acquires the adjacent property for future campus expansion.

 

2020

The Summit honors its first graduate to complete the program from Kindergarten through high school.

2021

The Summit extends learning beyond the classroom walls with the installation of outdoor learning spaces, including a classroom pavilion and tree deck.

2022

The Summit realizes one of its strategic visions with the addition of the first phase of the STEM Innovation Lab, part maker space, part science lab, for students of all ages to explore, experiment, and engage in deeper discovery through our science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum.

2023

The Summit achieves its highest enrollment in the school's history. The Board of Trustees approves an expansion of the Early Learners program to include three sections in Fall 2024.

2024

The Summit will celebrate its twentieth anniversary in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Contact Us

Looking to schedule a tour, ask a question, or request more information? Fill out our contact form to get in touch with us.

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