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Sumner Academy

Our School

Our School

Mission Statement
Sumner Academy of Arts and Science is an IB World School that creates a culture of global thinking, which serves students beyond the classroom by developing knowledgeable, inquiring and caring young people.

A Brief History of Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
“In 1905, a school named Manual Training High School was started in Kansas City, Kansas. The name, Manual Training High School, did not satisfy members of the Black community so much so that a meeting of ministers, attorneys, teachers and members of the Board of Education was held in the home of Doctor Corrvine Patternson.  It was in this meeting that the name of Manual Training High School was dropped and a more appropriate name of Sumner High School was selected by the group.  The name of Sumner was chosen to honor Charles Sumner (1811-1884) who was a member of the United States Senate from 1851 to 1874.  Charles Sumner was a very strong abolitionist who fought for the rights of the Black people.  Students, who first attended Sumner High School in 1905, came from the old KCKs High School and the old Central High School in KCKs.”

A History of Black Education in Kansas City, Kansas, Readin’, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmetic by William W. Boone, March 1986

  • We are the Sumner Sabres.
    To you we will be true.
    We’ll stand and fight with all our might
    For silver and blue.
    All hail our alma mater.
    Charge on to victory.
    So fight, you mighty Sabres
    For our Sumner Academy.

  • History
    Sumner Academy was admitted into the International Baccalaureate network in 1987.  Juniors and seniors who participate in the IB program of studies develop essential thinking and communication skills as they engage in university-level coursework at the high school level.  The IB Diploma Program provides students with a balanced education based on international standards of excellence.  The Certificate Program allows students to benefit from individuals IB courses.

    What is it?

    • It is a comprehensive, rigorous two-year curriculum designed to meet the needs of academically motivated and talented high school juniors and seniors. Students take college level classes while still in high school which provides them with solid preparation for the challenges of college/university curricula.
    • Students can receive college credit for high scores on the IB exams. Students’ work is evaluated through final exams which are sent all over the world for grading as well as an internal assessment component, usually some type of project, which is graded by Sumner Academy teachers.
    • What is IB?
    • IB learner Profile Booklet

  • Sumner Sabres, Blue and Silver,
    We have pledged our hearts to thee
    And we shall forge ahead in life with truth and dignity.

    Proudly facing each new day
    We’ll make our dreams a reality,
    And we’ll remember all our lives
    Our Sumner Academy