Oak Park High School

When Oak Park High School opened in 1965, it brought something new to the Northland — air conditioning.

In fact, Oak Park was the first completely climate-controlled school in Greater Kansas City. Dr. Dan Kahler, Oak Park’s founding principal, said that feature was one of the selling points when he accepted the opportunity to lead the brand-new high school.

But air conditioning was only the beginning.

Oak Park was designed to be different from North Kansas City High School in both structure and spirit. Teachers helped shape the plans for the new building, suggesting modern features such as lights instead of bells to signal the start and end of classes. The school also included a theater-in-the-round, a bookstore and four outdoor courtyards.

Oak Park was built around the open-classroom concept, with large rooms designed for groups of students and flexible learning. Benny Cain, who served as principal from 1994 to 2000, described the original design as “a school within a school.”

While most students attended classes around the outer perimeter of the building, the mini-school was located on the inside and offered students more individualized support. And for generations of Northmen, the main stairs became one of the school’s most memorable gathering places.

Dr. Kahler was recruited from Lawrence High School in Kansas to open Oak Park in 1965. Known affectionately as “DK” by staff and students, he often remembered that first year as joyfully busy.

“I probably worked more hours that year than I’d ever worked before,” Dr. Kahler said. But the work was worth it.

“It was a magical year.”

Historical excerpts adapted from 100 Years: A History of North Kansas City Schools.

Alma Mater

Oak Park High of you we sing, To you we will be true.

May we as Northmen bring you honor And praise the blue on blue.

Our strength as Northmen will be shown With scholarship our guide.

The torch of truth, the radiant star Are emblems of our pride.

Hail to you, our Alma Mater, Loyal to you our praises rise. Building minds of men forever, Hail to Oak Park High.

Fight Song

Northmen cheer for victory And fight with all your might.

Come on team

And show them how to win This game tonight (rah) (rah) (rah)

Come on big blue

We are for you. We know you will carry us through.

Hail-Hail the team's all here

For a victory for Oak Park High-FIGHT!