As you decide where to purchase your new home, the school selection for your children is at the forefront of your mind. The abundance of choices in St. Louis makes it easy to find a school that is perfectly tailored to your family’s needs. In the Greater St. Louis area, there are nearly 1,000 public schools, as well as a multitude of private schools.

The public school system, like St. Louis’ private schools, is an excellent option to consider for a quality education. Several of the area’s public school districts have earned the state’s highest level of accreditation, Distinction in Performance with High Achievement. Students in these districts usually score well on both the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test and the ACT. “The standards for public schools in Missouri are very high,” says Dr. Robert Taylor, St. Louis area Representative for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, adding that the state’s MAP test is one of the three most challenging state assessments in the nation. “The average ACT score in Missouri is above the national average, and many public schools in the St. Louis Metropolitan area are even above the state average,” says Taylor.

Families with children living within the St. Louis city limits have many educational options, with excellent charter, magnet, private or parochial schools, in addition to public schools. Charter and Magnet schools operate independent of the public school district. Charter schools work in conjunction with the Missouri Charter Public School Association to obtain the Mayor’s office endorsement to become a charter school.

Magnet schools offer specialized curriculum based on a student’s interest. Some schools focus on science and technology or the arts; diversity is key. Magnet schools may have entrance exams and may depend on classroom size, availability and criteria. It is important to check into the entrance criteria, and apply early.

All public schools in the St. Louis area qualify for state accreditation. Students with special needs have accessibility to services in St. Louis area schools. Visit http://dese.mo.gov for specific information on public schools’ accreditation, test scores and special services.

Many private and parochial schools throughout the Greater St. Louis area offer scholarships, financial assistance and sliding scale tuition for those who qualify. There are more than 400 parochial and independent private schools to choose from. “Each of the private schools in St. Louis has a unique mission, focus and environment,” says Jane Eschmann, assistant principal of Christian Brothers College High School. “Because there are so many excellent private schools in the St. Louis area, every student can find a school that is the right fit for him or her.” She also cites several features that private schools can offer, such as religious affiliation, personal attention afforded to students, an emphasis on high achievement and continuation of a family legacy. And with 153 elementary and high schools in the area affiliated with the Catholic Church, St. Louis is the seventh largest archdiocesan school system in the country, with more than 50,000 St. Louis children in attendance.

In addition to superior academics, a number of public and private schools in St. Louis have long-standing traditions of excellence in particular sports or other extra-curricular activities, which may also affect your decision about certain schools. Visit www.mosports.com or the St. Louis Post Dispatch’s web site, www.prepsports.stltoday.com, for more information on St. Louis high school athletics.

With such a diverse group of excellent schools in the Greater St. Louis Area, it will be an enjoyable endeavour finding the educational path that is right for your child and watching him or her flourish in the years to come.

Parkway School District: For more than 50 years, the Parkway School District has provided an outstanding education to the students of West St. Louis County. With an enrollment of about 18,000 students, Parkway has a nationally recognized early childhood center, 18 elementary schools, five middle schools and five high schools, including a small non-traditional high school.

Parkway is noted for excellence at the state and national levels, with 14 U.S. Blue Ribbon schools and annual state recognition for Distinction in Performance. Maintaining a strong focus on college preparation, the district has a record high number of National Merit Semifinalists each year and sends nearly 95 percent of graduates to post-secondary education. Parkway’s 2007 average composite ACT score of 24.3 was third-highest of 524 Missouri school districts. For more information, please visit www.pkwy.k12.mo.us or call (314) 415-8100.

Pattonville School District is an award-winning school district in northwest St. Louis County serving students in preschool through twelfth grade. Missouri has recognized Pattonville with its Distinction in Performance Award for academic achievement eight years in a row. Pattonville schools have ranked in the Top 10 lists of highest performing schools in Missouri. The average class size is about 17 in the free, full-day kindergarten program, 19 in elementary and 20 in core middle school classes.
Challenge courses are available in middle and high school. Numerous advanced placement, honors and college credit courses are offered at the high school, along with specialized programs for pre-engineering and information technology. Pattonville graduates who complete certain requirements are eligible for paid tuition to Missouri community colleges or career/technical schools through Pattonville’s A+ program. Many are able to use the A+ incentives to gain scholarships to four-year universities in Missouri. For more information, visit www.psdr3.org.

Ladue School District
One of the public school districts in the Greater St. Louis area is Ladue Schools, a nationally-recognized public school district offering pre-kindergarten through 12th grade educational programming. The district is committed to providing students with educational programs and support to succeed as individuals. The students and staff come from a wide range of socio-economic, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. They are regularly recognized with national, state and local honors for academic and athletic achievements. Test scores are among the highest in Missouri and exceed most national standards. For more information, call 314-994-7080 or visit www.ladue.k12.mo.us.

Clayton School District
The School District of Clayton has a nationally and internationally, recognized Pre-K through 12, college preparatory and academic program. They believe that their students’ achievements and accomplishments are a direct result of their commitment to putting the interests and needs of each student at the center of every decision they make. Preparation for college is emphasized throughout the student’s academic career. Last year, CHS students took 487 Advanced Placement exams, with 88 percent scoring a 3, 4 or 5. For more information call 314-854-6000 or visit www.clayton.k12.mo.us.

Francis Howell School District
Recognized for its award winning Pre-K through 12 curriculum with a nationally acclaimed early childhood program. Francis Howell believes that individual student success is a direct result of a school culture that achieves excellence through addressing every students needs on an individual basis ensuring that each of our students leaves Francis Howell prepared for the challenges of a 21st Century workplace. For information visit www.fhsdschools.org

Rockwood School District
The Rockwood School District is St. Louis County’s largest public school system, serving about 22,000 students. Covering 150 square miles in parts of western St. Louis and northern Jefferson counties, Rockwood serves an estimated 150,000 residents in 50,000 households.
Rockwood district has 19 elementary schools, six middle schools, and four high schools, with separate campuses for gifted, early childhood and alternative education.
Rockwood schools have a reputation for excellence. To learn more about the Rockwood School District, please visit www.rockwood.k12.mo.us.

Illinois Schools
Illinois law says that a child under four cannot attend kindergarten. Children under six cannot attend elementary school. Students are allowed services until the age of 21. Children between the ages of 7 and 16 will attend school, which is in session 185 days, to ensure 176 days of participation. Children being home-schooled or attending private or parochial schools are exempt from this requirement.

The required immunizations are similar for children entering the public school systems in Missouri and Illinois. Both require:

• DPT/DT/TD (Diphtheria, tetanus, per tussis) - four doses with the last dose being on or before the fourth birthday (TD booster 10 years after first dose in Missouri)

• Polio three doses

• Measles two doses on or after first birthday

• Mumps one dose on or after first birthday

• Rubella one dose on or after first birthday

• Hepatitis B three doses or in the process of completing the process

Illinois further requires children between the ages of two and five to be inoculated against haemophilus influenza type B. Children five or older are considered immune. For additional information regarding immunizations, call Missouri Department of Health (800) 699-2313 or Illinois Department of Health (217) 782-4977.

Home Schooling
Missouri and Illinois are among the least restrictive states for home schooling. However, Missouri does require at least 1,000 hours of instruction time between July 1 and June 30. Six hundred of those hours must be core subjects (reading, math, science, social studies and language arts). Four hundred hours are allowed in the home itself. Further, Missouri requires a complete plan book showing subjects taught, samples of student work and an evaluation of work completed. Neither state requires that the parent(s) be a certified teacher. Illinois does not have any statutes requiring curricula, record keeping or instructional time.

Private Schools
St. Louis parochial and private schools rival the public school system in student population and in the quality of education. The Catholic schools in the area were established more than 170 years ago. There are 154 schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, including schools in the city of St. Louis and 10 surrounding counties in Missouri. Catholic schools have been around since 1818, making them the oldest network of schools in the state of Missouri. All of the Catholic schools are accredited through the Missouri Chapter of the National Federation of Non-Public School State Accrediting Associations.
High school-aged students in the archdiocese have a wide variety of choices. There are many single-sex as well as coed Catholic high schools, and they are placed throughout the area. While all of the high schools offer a college preparatory curriculum, and more than 90 percent of Catholic high school graduates go to post-secondary school, some schools are open to top-achieving students while others offer comprehensive programs for students at all ability levels. All high schools in the archdiocese require service hours for graduation.

The Lutheran Schools Missouri Synod began in 1946 and now includes a Special Education School. There are also many private independent, Christian, Jewish and other sectarian schools that vary in grades served. Parents interested in these schools should contact the schools or denominations directly for additional information.

Below is a listing of St. Louis and Illinois provided by the following private schools at the time of publication:

Academy of the Sacred Heart: The Academy of the Sacred Heart is the oldest and largest private elementary school in the St. Louis metropolitan area, with an enrollment of 625 boys and girls (coed classes Pre-K thru 6th; single gender classes, 7-8). Founded in 1818 by St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, a Religious of the Sacred Heart from France, the Academy provides an excellent educational foundation and prepares students for admission to the high schools of their choice.

For 190 years, the Academy has espoused Sacred Heart education, which seeks to educate the whole child—heart, mind, body and spirit. Strong character habits, respect for oneself and others, and a compassion and concern for those less fortunate are integral to our education. A rigorous curriculum aims to help students express their ideas clearly and apply their thoughts to what is happening in the world around them. The program helps children learn to think critically and creatively, to be problem solvers, to love learning and to rise to challenges.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact our Admissions Office at (636) 946-6127, ext. 1620.

Andrews Academy is a private, coed school in St. Louis County founded in 1979 for students in grades PK - 6. It is founded upon progressive educational principles that demonstrate a respect for the individual child’s development, provide a thorough grounding in the basic learning tools, and nurture independent thought – with an objective to encourage the maximum intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of each child on a personalized basis. Located at 888 N. Mason Rd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141. (314) 878-1883.

Catholic Schools Archdiocese of St. Louis: The archdiocesan website, www.archstl.org, has a comprehensive listing of all their schools, by location, with links to individual school websites. The administrative offices for the Catholic schools are located at 20 Archbishop May Dr., St. Louis, MO 63119. For information, call (314) 792 7304.

Churchill Center & School for Learning Disabilities was founded in 1978. Its mission is to give high-potential children with learning disabilities the finest individualized remedial education and the support they need to achieve and return to a traditional classroom, as well as fostering greater understanding and support for all people with learning disabilities by training educators, supporting families and enlightening the community. Churchill School serves high-potential children with diagnosed specific learning disabilities (ages 8-16). Churchill Center has four Outreach Programs: Terri’s Tutors, Teacher Professional Development Workshops, Parent Education Workshops and a Speaker Series. Visit the facility at 1035 Price School Lane St. Louis, MO 63124, call (314) 997-4343 or visit www.churchillstl.org

Chaminade: Chaminade College Preparatory is a Catholic, Marianist school for young men in grades 6-12. The college prep curriculum challenges students of above average to superior ability and includes more than 100 hours of college credit courses. Laptop computers are an integral part of the curriculum.  Academics are augmented by seventeen varsity sports, an award winning band program, dramatic arts, numerous clubs and activities and a House System that builds the family spirit at Chaminade. Community service is integral to the mission of forming well-rounded young men and preparing them for college and life. For more information or to schedule a visit, call (314)993-4400 x 140 or visit the website at www.chaminade-stl.com.

Chesterfield Montessori School is a private pre-school and elementary school located in West St. Louis County. We offer an authentic Montessori program at all levels accredited by the Association Montessori International. Its highly trained and professional teachers ensure a calm and productive learning experience. Children receive the perfect balance of nurturing and challenge, resulting in both academic achievement and character development that leaves them well prepared. To schedule your personal tour, call Dena Molen at 314-469-7150. www.chesterfieldmontessori.org

Christian Brothers College High School, located at 1850 La Salle Drive in St. Louis, is a Catholic secondary school committed to providing a college preparatory education in the spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, a 17th-century French priest who revolutionized the system of education in his day.
Christian Brothers College High School seeks to maintain an environment where students can develop their unique talents and leadership potential while learning self-discipline and self-motivation, creative and critical thinking skills, Christian virtues and spirituality, responsible freedom and community service. For information on CBC call 314-985-6100.

Clayton Academy is committed to providing a well-rounded education for students in Kindergarten to 8th grade through customized and individualized teaching in small group settings. Clayton Academy embraces the nationally-renowned schools Attuned program based on the work of Dr. Mel Levine. The Academy has on-site Occupational Therapy and Speech/Language therapists. Amplification systems are installed in each classroom and teachers are supported by Social Skills, Physical Education, Art, Spanish, Music and Exploratory Wheel. The Academy is a member of St. Louis Independent School Association and Independent School Association of the Central States. Contact: Clayton Academy, 7501 Maryland Ave. Call 314-727-2643, or visit www.claytonacademy.org

Clayton Child Center is a co-ed, independent and not for profit organization. The Infant/Toddler Center, ages 6 weeks to 2 years, is a nine classroom private facility located in Oak Knoll Park, a 21-acre wooded urban park. The Preschool, at 7501 Maryland Avenue, serves children between the ages of 2 - 6. The Infant/Toddler Center and the Preschool’s curriculum are based on a developmental approach that includes all areas of child development. Children have unlimited opportunities for growth through developmentally appropriate play and social activities. They participate in curriculum activities centering on language, cognitive, physical, social and emotional areas. For information, visit www.claytonchildcenter.org or contact Clayton Child Center: Preschool, 7501 Maryland Ave., 314-727-2643. Infant/Toddler Center, 1 Oak Knoll, 314-726-0440.

The College School is committed to providing a diverse group of children in preschool through 8th grade with the best preparation for life through a hands-on, thematically integrated approach to education. The challenging and dynamic curriculum promotes a deep understanding of subjects and engenders a life-long passion for learning. The nationally and internationally renowned early childhood program incorporates the Reggio philosophy. For information, call 314-962-9355 or visit www.thecollegeschool.org

Community School, located on a 16-acre wooded campus in suburban St. Louis, enrolls 335 students starting at age 3 through 6th grade. The School provides a setting in which each individual can develop and emerge with positive attitudes, values and strong academic achievement. After school care for all grades and a summer program for ages 3-5 are offered. Financial aid is available. For information, contact Dana Saulsberry, Admissions Director at (314) 991-0005, or visit www.communityschool.com.

Crossroads College Preparatory School, located in the Central West End, is the only co-educational, independent, secondary school in the City of St. Louis serving students grades 7-12. Characterized by a rich history of cultural diversity and a concentration on college preparation for middle and upper school men and women, Crossroads College Preparatory School provides a challenging academic atmosphere for students to learn in an environment that blends hard work and scholarship with awareness, humor, imagination, and discovery. For information, contact The Admissions Office at (314) 367-8101 or info@crossroads-school.org.


De Smet Jesuit High School: De Smet Jesuit High School is a Catholic, college preparatory community which strives to build a challenging, academic environment set in the context of the life and spirit of Jesus Christ. Young men, grades 9-12, are encouraged to develop strong personal values and convictions, by realizing their leadership potential through impacting the lives of those around them.  They live the values of St. Ignatius by being intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in generous service to the people of God.

De Smet challenges students with a college prep curriculum, and offers more than 100 hours of college credit. Outside the classroom, students partake in dozens of clubs and organizations that serve a wide variety of interests or don a Spartan uniform in any of the 19 different sports offered

De Smet Jesuit is much more than a school … and our day doesn’t end at the 3:00 bell. For more information, visit www.desmet.org.

Duchesne Catholic High School provides a challenging college-preparatory curriculum, a full range of athletics, and numerous co-curricular activities in an atmosphere of faith. Building on its longstanding tradition as the premiere Catholic high school in St. Charles, Duchesne was recently recognized by area residents as the best private school in St. Charles County. The school’s mission is to teach the whole student in mind, body and spirit. The faculty and staff are committed to providing a broad-based curriculum that inspires intellectual curiosity, a world view in keeping with the Catholic tradition of finding God in all things, and a positive attitude of healthy living. Duchesne offers a full complement of honors and Advanced College Credit courses, as well as a variety of academic scholarships. Ninety-eight percent of DHS graduates go directly to college, and more than 80 percent are accepted at their first choice colleges. With one of the lowest tuition rates in the St. Louis Archdiocese, Duchesne High School ranks as an outstanding value in Catholic education! For more information or to schedule a personal tour, contact Emily Saettele, recruitment director, at 636-946-2603 or www.duchesne-hs.org.

Forsyth School, a nationally-recognized independent school, offers a challenging and engaging academic program for children age 3 – Grade 6. Located on a one-of-a-kind campus, Forsyth stresses individual attention by maintaining an 8-to-1 student/teacher ratio and team-teaching in each classroom. The school offers vacation and summer programs, full-time specialist teachers, a commitment to diversity, and an outstanding extended day program with after-school classes and year-round league sports. Since the fall of 2004, Forsyth has completed nearly $5 million in campus improvements including a Visual & Performing Arts Center, artificial turf field and track, outdoor classroom, the Forsyth Adventure Center, and new playgrounds. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, call Ann Babington, Director of Admission, (314) 726-4542, or visit ForsythOnline.com or email Admission@ForsythOnline.com. Located at 6235 Wydown Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105.

Francis Howell School District is recognized for its award winning Pre-K through 12 curriculum with a nationally acclaimed early childhood program. Francis Howell believes that individual student success is a direct result of a school culture that achieves excellence through addressing every students needs on an individual basis ensuring that each of our students leaves Francis Howell prepared for the challenges of a 21st Century workplace. For information visit www.fhsdschools.org.

Gateway Academy, a private Catholic school located on 32 beautiful acres on Wild Horse Creek Road in Chesterfield, offers a full spectrum of academic and extracurricular opportunities from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade.  Gateway is gender-specific in grades four through twelve.  Gateway stresses high academic achievement in a caring-yet-structured environment designed to foster personal formation, strong moral values and a true sense of self.  For more information visit our website at www.gatewayacademy.org or call 636-519-9099 ext. 145.

Greenways Academy: In order to educate students who cannot attend school for various reasons, Greenways Academy provides an alternative. Students might have medical conditions, emotional situations or simply school phobia that makes a traditional brick and mortar school impossible. Greenways Academy provides these students with an alternative to earn a high school diploma while preparing them for college. Their program encompasses grades 9-12 covering the core subjects as well as fine arts, computer science and career planning ensuring our students receive a well-rounded education. Students prepare for the academic requirements they will face in college as well practical knowledge to succeed in the workplace. For more information, contact Director Patti Greenberg at (314) 432-7534 or visit www.greenwaysacademy.com

Incarnate Word Academy’s academic curriculum provides every student with an outstanding foundation as they prepare themselves for college and challenge students to reach their God-given potential in the classroom. Offering more than 20 honors and college credit classes, students have the potential to enter college with enough academic hours to be sophomores. The basis of the curriculum is the modular schedule. With 100 percent graduation rate, students graduate from IWA fully prepared to continue their educational journeys. Incarnate is located at 2788 Normandy Dr., St. Louis, MO 63121. Call them at (314) 725-5850.

John Burroughs School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school (grades 7 through 12) where a liberal arts education balances academics, the arts and athletics. Students are deeply engaged in learning, and small classes promote mutual respect among faculty and students. Community service and environmental awareness, objectives set by the school’s founders in 1923, are integral to the mission. Burroughs also emphasizes ethics, diversity, student government. A mix of informality, world-class academics and community spirit distinguishes a Burroughs education. For more information, call (314) 993-4040 or visit their website at www.jburroughs.org.

Kirk Day School. The Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church began educating young children in 1974. The elementary school, established in 1992, continues the rich tradition of providing a strong academic program in a nurturing environment. Students are involved in core classes and co-curricular activities that challenge them to develop a strong work ethic, self discipline, and the ability to measure truth by the eternal standard of God’s Word. Kirk Day School serves students in preschool through 6th grade and is accredited by Christian Schools International and the North Central Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For information, call (314) 434-4394 or visit www.kirkdayschool.org.

Living Word Christian School exists to be a Biblically-based, academically excellent, affordable assistance to Christian families who want to equip their children to impact the world for the glory of God and develop leaders with well-trained intellects subject to righteous character. With more than 600 students on three separate campuses, elementary students (K-6) are able to enjoy a strong academic foundation with enrichment classes in music, computer and physical education. Secondary students (7-12) are challenged by our college preparatory curriculum, athletics, co-curricular activities and leadership training in an atmosphere of faith. For information, contact the Admissions Office at (636) 978-1680 or visit www.lwcs.us.

Logos School is an independent, nonprofit school, grades 7-12, dedicated to assisting students and their families with needs that have not been met in the traditional school environment since 1970. Logos believes that students with emotional and behavioral problems can succeed. Logos School helps students who struggle with depression, attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, poor motivation, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance abuse and other challenges. Ultimately, 87 percent of Logos Schools either graduate or mainstream back to their normal school and 90 percent of Logos students who graduate attend college. For information, call (314) 997-7002 or visit www.logosschool.org

Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School, (MICDS) offers a challenging and well-rounded education for grades JK through 12 in a coed, college preparatory setting. Class sizes are small and two-thirds of the faculty hold advanced degrees. The unique coordinate model in the Middle School balances single-gender classes with coed classes and activities. The MICDS community reflects a commitment to diversity and 22 percent receive need-based financial aid. For information about MICDS, call 314-995-7367. Email address: admissions@micds.org or www.micds.org.

Nerinx Hall, located in Webster Groves, was founded by the Sisters of Loretto in 1924, as a private independent Catholic, college-preparatory high school for girls. Nerinx is grounded in the belief that educated, caring, empowered young women are essential to our world. A demanding curriculum challenges students to understand their world; a Christian community nurtures the Spirit alive in each student. Laptop computers are an integral part of the academic curriculum, preparing the girls for higher education. The girls are involved with service projects and many other local outreach projects. For information, call Paulette Reed at (314) 968-1505. Nerinx Hall, 530 E. Lockwood, St. Louis, MO 63119.

Notre Dame High School is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory secondary school that empowers young women to become confident, compassionate Christian leaders. Notre Dame offers over 170 courses, including college credit though SLU’s 1818 program in English, Modern Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. There are many opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom and the school also sponsors national and international trips. For information, contact Karen Carlson at (314) 544-1015 ext. 352 or carlk@ndhs.net.

Rohan Woods School is an independent private school serving children age three through grade six. The established academic institution offers an accelerated curriculum that emphasizes personal responsibility and respect for all individuals in a community where every child is cherished, encouraged and prepared for continued success. The school’s curriculum is driven by a method of teaching that strives to uncover important concepts and encourages teachers to be assessors of learning. For information, www.rohanwoods.org.

HIGHER LEARNING

Finding a university in St. Louis isn’t a difficult task. Choosing the right one can be a challenge – whether you’re letting go of your child for the first time or picking up a few courses yourself. This list outlines university options for St. Louis’ prospective students.

Fontbonne University
Fontbonne University is a Catholic, coeducational institution of higher education offering liberal arts, professional and adult programs. Founded in 1923, it is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Located in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan area, Fontbonne’s beautiful campus is home to 2,500 students who enjoy a learning environment where diversity and inclusion are embraced and where open communication is encouraged. The university offers 30 majors, 18 minors and 12 master’s degree programs, from the nationally known deaf education major to business and sports management, as well as new programs such as advertising and biotechnology. More than three quarters of Fontbonne’s full-time faculty hold the highest degrees in their field, while an excellent student-faculty ratio creates ideal opportunities for discussion and personal attention.

Additionally, students have many opportunities to get involved in local community projects as well as annual service trips to other states and countries. Fontbonne is a university where students can not only learn more, but where they can be more.

Fontbonne University also offers the OPTIONS program to meet the unique needs of adult students whose personal or professional aspirations include higher education. OPTIONS delivers a high-quality education in a streamlined format that overcomes the challenges adults face with an increasingly busy lifestyle. Programs are convenient, practical and accelerated. Different degree groups form throughout the year at four locations (Clayton, South County, North County and Chesterfield), so you can begin when the time is right for you.

Fontbonne University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. Fontbonne meets the needs of a wide variety of students with day, evening and Saturday programs that grow out of a tradition of academic excellence and personal concern. For more information, call (314) 862-3456 or visit www.fontbonne.edu.

Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University is a dynamic, four-year liberal arts institution dedicated to excellence in higher education. Nestled amid the beautiful linden trees, their historic 500-acre campus is situated in the heart of St. Charles, Mo. It offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to nearly 13,000 students through values-centered programs. Lindenwood University is known nationally and internationally for innovation, entrepreneurship and extraordinary dedication to students. The university believes that education is the way to personal freedom and responsibility – the keystones of any democracy.

Lindenwood is an independent institution firmly rooted in Judeo-Christian values, which include a belief in an ordered, purposeful universe, the dignity of work, the worth and integrity of the individual, the obligations and privileges of citizenship and the primacy of truth. For more information, call (636) 949-4949 or visit www.lindenwood.edu.

Maryville University
Maryville University of Saint Louis is an independent, coeducational university. Its main campus located in West County, Maryville offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs, including premier offerings in actuarial science, interior design, music therapy and teacher education.

The University also offers eight master’s programs and two doctoral programs in Physical Therapy and Educational Leadership. Sixteen intercollegiate sports for men and women are also available, and the Saints compete at the NCAA Division III level. As a result of the strong academic programs, competitive athletics and vibrant campus life, Maryville’s enrollment has increased over the past decade.

Maryville University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges. Among its most recent graduates, 94 percent are employed or attending graduate school. For more information, visit www.maryville.edu.

Missouri Baptist
Missouri Baptist is a premier Christian university in St. Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in more than 30 specialized fields. MBU’s education and fine arts programs are nationally known, in addition to business, religion and administration of justice. MBU is currently one of the fastest-growing higher education institutions in Missouri, with an enrollment of more than 3,600 at four locations in the Greater Saint Louis area. MBU is committed to enriching students’ lives spiritually, intellectually and professionally and to providing educational services to the community. The University is open to all qualified students, regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, age or qualified disability. For more information, visit www.mobap.edu or call (314) 434-1115.

St. Charles Community College
St. Charles Community College is located in the heart of St. Charles County and offers more than 70 associate degree and certificate program pathways in the arts, sciences and many career-technical fields. Twenty-five percent of the county’s public high school graduates begin their college education at SCC.

The contemporary 235-acre campus has won numerous architectural awards for its innovative design. ?In 2006, SCC’s 20th anniversary, the college opened three new buildings, adding 25 classrooms, 10 art studios, a 250-seat auditorium, an enlarged learning center, and areas for students to relax and study. And, just a 20-minute drive from Lambert International Airport, SCC provides a convenient, quality college education for more than 10,000 St. Louis metropolitan residents each year. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.

St. Louis Community College
St. Louis Community College is the largest community college system in Missouri, offering five associate degrees with 11 college-transfer options and more than 90 career programs. Each year, more than 120,000 persons of all ages and educational backgrounds register at the college’s four campuses – Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec and Wildwood – three education centers and satellite locations throughout the metro area.

Florissant Valley is nationally recognized for its art, child care, and chemical and advanced manufacturing technology programs. Forest Park is Missouri’s leading provider of health technology training, offering 18 medical programs and also is the premier trainer for the hospitality industry in St. Louis. Meramec offers unique career and technical programs in areas such as horticulture, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapist assistant, digital art and design, architectural technology, interior design and information reporting technology. And the environmentally friendly Wildwood campus is the largest community college facility to receive a U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) gold certification.

STLCC focuses on providing high quality, practical career education that meets the needs of its students as well as business and industry. With four centers of excellence – computer networking, engineering and manufacturing, digital arts, and plant and life sciences, the college is engaged in preparing St. Louis’ future work force. STLCC also serves the business community through its workforce and community development division. The Center for Business, Industry & Labor offers on-site delivery of customized training and consulting services to area businesses. The division also serves as a retraining resource for workers let go in large layoffs, such as those recently experienced in the auto industry. For more information visit our website at www.stlcc.edu.

Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,000 students on campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain.

Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Saint Louis University ranks as one of the nation’s leading comprehensive research universities, offering more than 85 majors and programs of study. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University among the top five Catholic universities in the country. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, Saint Louis University is the place where knowledge touches lives. Learn more about SLU by visiting our website at www.slu.edu or call 1-800-SLU-FOR-U.

Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is a multi-campus university comprising two institutions, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) with a School of Dental Medicine at Alton and a center in East St. Louis, and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC) with a School of Medicine at Springfield and a campus in Niigata, Japan. The university enrolls more than 34,000 students in programs from two-year technical curricula to Ph.D. programs in 32 fields including law, medicine and dental medicine. For more information, visit www.siu.edu.

Washington University
Washington University is among the most prestigious universities in the nation, boasting 22 Nobel Laureates in the fields of physics, chemistry, economics and medicine. Washington University offers eight academic divisions with more than 90 programs of study. With many programs ranked top in the country by publications such as U.S. News, Business Week and Atlantic Monthly, Washington University offers a challenge to any student, looking to get ahead. For more information, call (314) 935-5000 or visit www.wustl.edu.

University of Missouri-St. Louis
The University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) is one of four campuses that makes up the University of Missouri system. UMSL is the largest university in the area and the third largest in Missouri. This affords students all the advantages and opportunities of a major research university. The campus atmosphere at UMSL is one in which education is always paramount. Within all of the 46 undergraduate degree programs, you’ll learn with a faculty of nationally recognized researchers, scholars and authors – more than 96 percent of whom have received advanced degrees in their fields. UMSL also offers numerous opportunities for postgraduate work, including 30 Master’s Programs, 13 Doctoral Programs and the state’s only professional degree in Optometry. For more information, call (314) 516-5000 or visit www.umsl.edu.

Webster University
Webster University’s world headquarters are located here in St. Louis. In all, Webster University has 103 campuses spread across North America, Europe and Asia. Webster University is divided into five academic divisions offering graduate and undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business and technology, communications, fine arts and education. Many of the professors work in their field and offer real world knowledge that students can apply immediately. Further, two-thirds of the instructors at Webster University have been exposed to international schools, equipping them to offer students a sophisticated perspective rarely found anywhere else. For more information, call 314-961-2660 or visit our website at www.webster.edu.