Our History
From Little Folks to Today: Our Journey
Since 1947, Oakhill Day School has been a place where students are known, valued, and inspired to be their best.
Founded by Northland mother and educator Wanda Lee Kalsu as Little Folks, the school began as an Early Childhood – Kindergarten program. In 1972, Little Folks became Oakhill Day School, reflecting the school’s growing offerings and vision. Over the years, Oakhill has grown into a thriving private independent day school in the heart of Gladstone in the Kansas City Northland, serving learners from Pretoddler (18 months) through Eighth Grade.
Oakhill continued to expand, adding Second and Third Grades in 1987 and settling into its current location at 7019 North Cherry in 1989. Since then, the campus has grown to include additional classrooms, a library, gymnasium, outdoor learning areas, and common spaces to support a thriving student body. In 2016, the Intermediate and Middle School divisions moved into the Gladstone Office Building at 6910 North Holmes, further enhancing our facilities.
For over 75 years, families in the Kansas City Northland have trusted Oakhill for an education that combines academic excellence with care, encouragement, and joy, providing students the confidence and skills to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Encourage creativity and help children gather the knowledge that might be perfect for whatever they want to do.
Our Founder: Wanda Lee Kalsu
Wanda Lee Kalsu (September 18, 1917–November 5, 2012) was the visionary founder of Oakhill Day School. In 1947, she opened a small school in the Northland of Kansas City called Little Folks, which eventually grew into the Oakhill Day School we know today as the school expanded beyond early childhood education. Wanda Lee built the school with her own dedication, hiring the best teachers, providing essential resources, and sharing her passion and vision with the entire community. Her tireless work laid a foundation that continues to support generations of students.
A kindergarten teacher, devoted parent, and skillful leader, Wanda Lee had a special place in her heart for art and positive parenting, topics she loved to discuss and promote. She authored a parenting guide, They Don’t Come with Directions: A Simple Handbook for Parents in 2004, dedicating it to her daughter, Charlene M. Owings, for whom she began the school.
She is remembered for her unwavering belief in all children, her dedication to education, and her enduring support of Oakhill Day School. Her legacy lives on in every student, teacher, and classroom at Oakhill.
