Kansas
Things to know...
Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!
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Weather & Natural Disasters
Kansas is known for its severe weather, with tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail, and extreme heat being the most common natural hazards. The states hot, humid summers, exhibit temperatures often climbing into the 90s, while winters can be cold, with average temperatures in the 20s to 40s. The state is famously prone to severe thunderstorms, with tornadoes being particularly common in spring and early summer. Kansas also occasionally experiences winter storms and blizzards.
Tornadoes
Kansas’ peak tornado season spans from March to May, with an average of 50 tornadoes occurring each year. Tornadoes can be violent, and preparedness is essential. If you hear a siren, it's crucial to immediately head to your designated tornado shelter or safe room. It's also wise to keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for several days and to regularly practice your family's tornado plan, just as you would a fire escape plan. Tornado siren testing schedules vary by location, so it’s best to check with the local county for specific details.
Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms with hail, strong winds, and heavy rain are frequent, especially in spring and summer. Flash flooding can occur quickly, especially in low-lying areas, so avoid driving through flooded roads.
PrepareReceiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.
For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
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Neighbourhoods
Leavenworth is home to Fort Leavenworth, a U.S. Army installation specializing in leadership development and professional military education. The base is located within the city, providing immediate access to military facilities and services. CAF families enjoy minimal commute times to Fort Leavenworth. Off-base housing options in Leavenworth and nearby communities offer commutes ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Neighborhood Navigator: A tool from Military One Source that helps you explore and learn more about a community, including information on schools, amenities, demographics, and more.
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Fort Leavenworth
For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source or the Fort Leavenworth MWR website.
Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards should have access to Fort Leavenworth, which offers a commissary, exchange, and a range of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Amenities include a fitness and youth center, child development center, and outdoor recreation areas.
The base also features an 18-hole golf course, parks, picnic areas, scenic views of the Missouri River, historic sites, a world-class museum, and the nation’s premier Buffalo Soldier monument.
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Getting Around
Getting around Leavenworth is primarily car-dependent, with major roads like US-73 and K-7 providing access to Kansas City and surrounding areas. Traffic can be heavier near Fort Leavenworth, especially during base entry and exit times. Public transportation options are limited, but Leavenworth Citywide provides on-demand bus services for residents, and nearby Kansas City offers more extensive transit through RideKC.
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On-Base Medical Treatment Facility
Munson Army Health Center (MAHC) at Fort Leavenworth provides comprehensive medical care to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.
Unsure about your healthcare coverage? Visit our Healthcare in the U.S. webpage, where you'll find tailored pathways for personalized coverage details.
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Critters & Wildlife
Kansas is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Western Diamondback rattlesnake and the prairie rattlesnake, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in grassy and wooded areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, fire ants, and occasional encounters with coyotes and mountain lions in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Kansas has a broader range of reptiles and insects due to its warmer climate, making routine pest control recommended to manage pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and termites.
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Children's Education
There are several public schools within a 25-mile radius, along with a French immersion charter school approximately 35-40 miles of Fort Leavenworth.
Académie Lafayette
Académie Lafayette, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is a French immersion charter school offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Please note that Académie Lafayette requires students to reside within the Kansas City Public Schools District (KCPSD) boundaries for enrollment and parents/guardians will be asked to show proof of residency during enrollment/re-enrollment. Académie Lafayette will not enroll students who live outside the KCPSD boundaries, this is an important consideration when conducting your HHT.
Campuses & Age requirements:
- Grades K-5: Cherry Street Campus and Oak Street Campus **Kindergarten applicants must be five (5) years old by July 31 to start kindergarten.
- Grades 6-12: Armour Campus
Also important to note is that the enrollment for Académie Lafayette is lottery based, and the application period typically begins the first week of November and ends the first week of March. Applications received after the open application period closes are placed on a waiting list. Therefore, if your posting message is not expected until after the March enrollment deadline it may be beneficial to apply before you receive your official posting message. For more information, you can visit their website.
It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters.
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Child Care
Child Development Centers
Child Development Centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care, and respite care. Child Development Centers vary in size, and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
For a full list of military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps, visit MilitaryChildCare.com. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.
Additional Child and Developement Resources
Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.
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Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
The Kansas Department of Revenue provides guidelines for transferring out-of-state titles and licenses. Kansas offers a "Real ID" compliant driver's license, which can be used for federal identification purposes.
