Kansas City Public Schools has a lot to celebrate. The school system earned 98 points on its 2016 Annual Progress Report (APR), according to data released by Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. By garnering at least 70 percent of the 140 points possible, this is the first time that KCPS has earned the points necessary for full accreditation under the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP). In other words, this is the first time in about 30 years KCPS has earned the points to become a fully accredited school system.

This year's APR is the latest in a remarkable comeback for KCPS. The school system's APR results have improved by more than 75 points in just four years, and the results increased 8.5 points over 2015 totals.

KCPS is hopeful that the state will look favorably on these results and will award accreditation this year. But if the state requires another year of demonstrated growth, KCPS is prepared to build on its 2016 success.

"We remain on the right track," Superintendent Mark Bedell said. "This type of revival by a public school system is very rare. Credit goes to our students, teachers, parents, support staff and leadership team, who have worked hard together to make these gains with integrity."