About Us

Meet The People

In Overland Park, KS, "piece of mind" can go a very long way. Providing a safe and learning environment is an important step in providing that comfort level- "piece of mind".

Administrators make a real difference in independent private schools. They set the stage for a creative and enriching environment throughout the school.

Our administrators know each child and welcome open communication. Parents and families should always feel "in the loop" at BDS. We know how important it is to communicate in a timely fashion.

For over four decades Brookridge Day School (BDS) has fine-tuned its formula for success. The main ingredient is our people.

We are experienced and committed to creating an environment conducive to learning. Essentially, that’s what makes BDS a top 50 private elementary school in the U.S, 7th best in the Midwest and one of the premier private schools in Johnson County, KS.

Dr. Carol Savage

FOUNDER

Dr. Carol Savage founded Brookridge Day School in 1968. She received her PhD. in Elementary and Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas. Dr. Savage is one of the pioneers of the “Head Start” program used throughout the country today. Both of Dr. Savage’s children attended Brookridge Day School.

Rod Savage

FOUNDER

Rod Savage received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Missouri. After many years as an executive in the private sector, Rod assumed the responsibilities as the owner of BDS. Rod and his wife Mia have three children who all are part of the Brookridge life.

Katie Shonkwiler

PRINCIPAL

Katie graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education – Early Childhood.

After teaching at BDS for 26 years, Mrs. Shonkwiler assumed the role of Principal in 2022.

Marla Kassen

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

B.A. Psychology and Human Development

History

Brookridge Day School set the benchmark for private schools in Johnson County, KS in 1968. That was the year that Dr. Carol Savage decided that parents needed a choice in day care in the Kansas City area.

Why couldn't day care also be a preschool where children were inspired and early foundations were created for a lifetime of learning? Brookridge was founded and it began.

Dr. Savage became a pioneer of the "Head Start" program. Her focus on whole-child development and it put her preschool and day care center on a course to be second to none.

The message was simple: Take the education of children to heart; embrace diversity and cherish traditions. In all of her years that focus has never been compromised.

History

Why couldn't day care also be a preschool where children were inspired and early foundations were created for a lifetime of learning? Brookridge was founded and it began.

Dr. Savage became a pioneer of the "Head Start" program. Her focus on whole-child development and it put her preschool and day care center on a course to be second to none.

The message was simple: Take the education of children to heart; embrace diversity and cherish traditions. In all of her years that focus has never been compromised.

As Years Came and Passed

Evidence of success was overwhelming. Attendance grew and a waiting list formed. Dr. Savage and her staff began to entertain the thought of expanding their private school but only for the right reasons.

The search began for a suitable building.

We found our new building

We moved to the new building and we have been there since. Our standards have never change, our ideals have never been compromised and the appreciation for the opportunity to help students develop has never been taken for granted.