Top 5 Reasons Hawthorn Hill Elementary Is Ranked In The Top 10% Of Missouri Schools For 2025-2026
As of December 21, 2025, Hawthorn Hill Elementary School (HHE) in Lee's Summit, Missouri, continues to solidify its reputation as a premier educational institution, recently achieving a significant milestone by being ranked within the top 10% of all public schools in the state for the 2025-2026 academic year. This exceptional performance is a testament to the school’s dedicated leadership, innovative programs, and strong community focus within the Lee's Summit R-7 School District (LSR7).
Serving approximately 402 students from Kindergarten through 5th Grade, Hawthorn Hill Elementary maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio, which supports its highly-rated status. The school's commitment to excellence is evident in its cutting-edge initiatives and the success of its students, ensuring a bright future for the Lee's Summit community.
Hawthorn Hill Elementary School Leadership and Profile
Hawthorn Hill Elementary is a public school located at 2801 SW Pryor Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64082. It operates as part of the esteemed Lee's Summit R-VII School District.
- School Type: Public Elementary School
- Grades Served: K-05
- Address: 2801 SW Pryor Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64082
- Phone: 816-986-3380
- Current Principal: Mrs. Melissa Hunter
- Assistant Principal: Leinani Stout
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 402 students
- Current Ranking: Top 10% of all public schools in Missouri (2025-2026)
Under the leadership of Principal Melissa Hunter and Assistant Principal Leinani Stout, the school focuses on creating a supportive and high-achieving environment for every student. The office hours are from 7:00 AM to 3:15 PM, facilitating open communication with parents and the community.
Innovative Programs Driving 2025-2026 Academic Excellence
The stellar ranking of Hawthorn Hill is directly linked to several unique and impactful educational programs implemented at the school. These initiatives go beyond standard curriculum to foster well-rounded, emotionally intelligent, and globally aware students.
1. The Prestigious Pathway to Biliteracy Awards
A major highlight of the 2024-2025 academic year was the recognition of eight Hawthorn Hill students with the Pathway to Biliteracy Awards. This program, run by the Lee's Summit R-7 School District, acknowledges elementary and middle school students who are on track to achieve the Seal of Biliteracy. The award is a powerful indicator of the school's strong focus on Language Support and English Language Development (ELD) for all new and current families.
2. Integrating Therapy Dogs for Emotional Regulation
Hawthorn Hill Elementary has embraced the use of therapy dogs as a key component of its student support services. This innovative approach helps students manage emotions and reduce stress. The school features a therapy dog named JJ, with a photo gallery dedicated to his role in the school community. Furthermore, Counselor Jennifer Biggar utilizes another therapy dog, Dakota, who attends school daily to help students regulate their emotions. These animals provide essential comfort and a unique resource for student well-being, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere.
3. Award-Winning Wellness and Community Engagement
Community and wellness programs at Hawthorn Hill also receive top recognition. The Kids Country Y Club, which provides before and after school services at the elementary school, earned top honors as the "best in the Midwest" for KidsFit Wellness Week. This achievement highlights the school's commitment to physical health and extracurricular engagement. The school is also actively supported by the Lee's Summit Educational Foundation, which has invested millions into the LSR7 district through programs like PEAK (Promoting Excellent Academic Knowledge) Grants, with Hawthorn Hill receiving grants for initiatives like STEM/Learning for Science and PAWS Pre-Vocational Applications for Workforce Success in previous years.
Commitment to Safety and Future Readiness
In addition to its academic and emotional support programs, Hawthorn Hill Elementary demonstrates a proactive commitment to student safety and infrastructure. The school district, including HHE, has been diligent in complying with the new Missouri “Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water Act.” This involved hiring a professional environmental consulting firm to conduct thorough testing and ensure the safety of the school's drinking water, demonstrating a deep commitment to the physical health of its students.
The school's continuous improvement efforts, supported by the Lee's Summit R-7 School District, ensure that Hawthorn Hill Elementary remains a top-rated choice for families in the area. Its focus on literacy, emotional health through programs like therapy dogs, and community-driven wellness initiatives solidifies its position as a leading institution, ready to meet the challenges of the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.
Detail Author:
- Name : Yolanda Schinner
- Username : malika.durgan
- Email : victoria.prosacco@grady.com
- Birthdate : 1975-02-04
- Address : 108 Bernard Extensions Apt. 309 Ericastad, HI 96696-7609
- Phone : +1 (859) 420-9973
- Company : Lowe-Mayert
- Job : Extraction Worker
- Bio : Illo ea suscipit est impedit ut illum. Eius minima possimus suscipit harum quis.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/jenkins2005
- username : jenkins2005
- bio : Dolorum maxime ut laboriosam nobis aut eius.
- followers : 5427
- following : 2530
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/brayan_official
- username : brayan_official
- bio : Ut quos est sunt rerum quae corrupti. Nisi dolores fuga odio dolorem.
- followers : 6882
- following : 2219
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@brayan_jenkins
- username : brayan_jenkins
- bio : Et reprehenderit fuga impedit ipsam consequatur deleniti.
- followers : 1104
- following : 83
