The Lee's Summit R-7 School District was ranked No. 7 among school districts throughout the nation in Money magazine's annual issue focusing on 'America's Best Places to Live' (small cities listing). Lee's Summit scored highest in 'education' and second highest in 'jobs/economy.'
Test scores used in the education ranking represent the percent by which the school district's math and communication arts scores fall above or below the state's average scores. The R-7 School District has been recognized by the state for the past seven years with the Distinction in Performance Award, the state's highest award for academic achievement. In addition, R-7 students consistently score above state and national norms on all tests, including the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests and ACT college-entrance tests.
The magazine's top 100 small cities list began with a study of 716 cities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 300,000. In the magazine article, Lee's Summit was praised for its 'award-winning schools,' health care, John Knox Village retirement community, downtown renovation and three large recreational lakes.
Lee’s Summit, MO ranked No. 19 among least dangerous cities overall in 'Safest City Rankings' published Oct 30, 2006, as compiled by Morgan Quitno AP Press, which bases the rankings on FBI figures.
'That is just wonderful,' Lee’s Summit Mayor Karen Messerli said of her city’s ranking. 'For us public safety is a quality of life issue and we know our citizens deserve the best.'
Within five miles of four large public boating lakes (Blue Springs,
Jacomo, Prairie Lee, and Longview), and less than eight miles to four other
private lake communities (Lotawana, Tapawingo, Winnebago and Raintree) and Lakewood is across the street from the hospital.
The hospital is on the eastern edge of Kansas City, adjacent to Lee's Summit, with hometown attractions like a farmers market, small boutique type shopping, and town celebrations. Kansas City provides bigger venues of interest like museums, Truman Library, concerts and sporting events.
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