Fermented field trip

The curriculum at Kansas City Academy is based upon “expeditionary learning”— the idea that the best lessons happen when students get out of the classroom. That means the prep shool’s middle and high schoolers get to study the science of, say, prairie field restoration by actually tromping in fields. Ah, sweet life experience. It’s the stuff that goes on to foster adventurous souls with epic barroom tales. The school hopes to exhibit that fact at 5 p.m. today when it celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Boulevard Brewery (2501 Southwest Boulevard, 816-474-7095). For $20 (endless field tripping doesn’t exactly pay for itself, you know), alumni and community supporters will receive a brewery tour, a souvenir glass and the chance to munch hors d’oeuvres while listening to the KCA’s current take on music appreciation, the student-formed rock band 7 East. Adopt this living-is-learning philosophy, and soon even drinking fine micro-brews will count as educational. Reserve a place by calling Kathy Baldwin-Heitman at 816-444-5225.

Sun., Sept. 14, 5-8 p.m., 2008