Our History

A unique problem for pediatric hospitals is the issue of continuing/maintaining the education of their patients. Katharine Richardson recognized this problem and set to find a solution. In 1910 a school was established inside Mercy Hospital. The school was fully supported by the Kansas City Board of Education and was even a part of the Kansas City school system. The school not only included teachers, but also had their own principal. A classroom was first set up in the basement of Highland Ave. Later when the hospital moved to Independence Ave a classroom was set up on the first floor before later moving to the fourth floor. The school catered to all ages of students including what we consider to be elementary and high school today. Students were either moved to the classroom for lessons or the teachers would visit patients in their beds if they were unable to be moved.

The hospital classroom continues today with the Hospital-Based School Program. Currently the problem includes three certified teachers and several certified volunteers.