About Us

Meet The People

At Brookridge Day School in Overland Park, Kansas, we understand that peace of mind matters. Families deserve to know their children are learning and growing in a safe, supportive environment—and that confidence begins the moment you walk through our doors.


Strong leadership is at the heart of every exceptional independent school. At Brookridge Day School, our administrators cultivate a culture that is both creative and enriching, setting the tone for meaningful learning experiences throughout the school.


We believe relationships matter. Our administrators and teachers take the time to truly know each child, while maintaining open, consistent communication with families. At Brookridge Day School, parents are always informed, involved, and connected.


Since 1968, Brookridge Day School has refined a proven approach to elementary education. The foundation of that success is our people—experienced, dedicated educators who are passionate about helping every student thrive.


That commitment is what makes Brookridge Day School one of the top private elementary schools in Johnson County and a nationally recognized leader in elementary education.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Marla Kassen

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

B.A. Psychology and Human Development

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History

Brookridge Day School has been setting the standard for private education in Johnson County, Kansas since 1968. It was then that Dr. Carol Savage recognized a need families in the Kansas City area deserved more than traditional day care; they needed a place where young children could be inspired and begin building the foundation for a lifetime of learning. With that vision, Brookridge was born.


Dr. Savage became an innovator in early childhood education, helping to develop the principles of the Head Start program. Her emphasis on whole-child development—nurturing intellectual, social, and emotional growth—positioned her preschool and day care center as a field leader from the very beginning.


Her philosophy was clear and enduring: value education, celebrate diversity, and honor meaningful traditions. Decades later, that commitment remains at the core of Brookridge Day School, shaping an environment where every child is supported, inspired, and empowered to grow.


A black and white photo of a house with a sign that says brookridge pre school and day care center

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.

As Years Came and Passed


Brookridge Day School’s success quickly became clear. Enrollment grew, families spread the word, and before long, a waiting list formed. With that momentum, Dr. Carol Savage and her team began thoughtfully exploring.


At Brookridge Day School, that focus is unwavering and it defines everything we do, expansion is guided not by growth alone, but by a commitment to maintaining the quality and values that defined the school.


The search for the right home began.


When the right opportunity emerged, Brookridge found a space that could support its vision for the future. Since moving into our current campus, we have continued to grow while staying true to what matters most.



Our standards have never changed. Our values have never been compromised. And our gratitude for the opportunity to help each child learn and develop has never wavered.


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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.


A painting of a building with balloons flying in the sky