ABC's of St. Louis
Your Guide to K-12 Education in the Gateway City
by Bonnie Shaw

Historically, St. Louis has been a leader in education. As early as 1873, Susan E. Blow, who founded the nation’s first public kindergarten in St. Louis, set the course for the city to excel in this arena. Two more recent programs that follow this example are Parents As Teachers and Arts Partners.

Parents as Teachers is a model program that encourages and supports parents as they prepare their children for school. The organization also identifies special needs and challenges children will face when they reach school age. Arts Partners links school systems with community arts organizations like the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Black Repertory Theatre of Saint Louis and others. Another innovative approach is the collaboration of the Central Institute for the Deaf and Washington University, benefiting student opportunity and experience in either institution.

In Missouri, the metro area has 56 geographically determined districts. Two more districts serve the entire metropolitan area, the Special School District, which provides services for those students with disabilities, and the St. Louis Career Education District, which provides vocational training for high school students. In Illinois, the metro area has 57 geographically defined districts. Illinois provides special education and vocational training by district.

Missouri public schools require students to be age five by August 1 of that school year. However, in Saint Louis City an exception was made to enroll children who turn five between August 1 and October 1. This service is then available until the student is 21, has graduated high school or passed the GED. School must be in session 174 days after the Missouri State Fair ends each year in August.

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: Established by St. Philippine Duchesne in 1818, the Academy was the first Sacred Heart school in the United States, and is today part of a network of 22 Sacred Heart Schools in this country. Like all Sacred Heart schools, the Academy provides an education that is serious in purpose, strong in studies and rich in the spirit of life and love. Visit the school at 619 N. Second St., St. Charles, MO 63301 or call (636) 946-6127. Visit their website at www.ash1818.org.

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: This all-boys, Catholic, Marianist school, accepts students of all faiths in grades 6-12. Chaminade is the first fully integrated, wireless laptop campus in the state of Missouri. All students and faculty have IBM laptops for academic and personal use. The college prep curriculum challenges students of strong average to superior ability and includes more than 100 hours of college credit courses. Seventeen varsity sports, numerous activities, required community service programs and the “Chaminade Family” (students, faculty, parents and alumni) help to form well-rounded young men. Visit Chaminade at 425 South Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131 or their website at www.chaminademo.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.

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.


Gateway Academy: Founded in 1992, this private, Catholic school is directed by the Legionnaires of Christ. Gateway offers coed curriculum, three-years-old through 3rd grade. Their single gender program grades 4 through 6 offers the highest quality education. Their 7 through 12 grade, single gender program offers a six-year college preparatory curriculum. Gateway Academy provides a curriculum designed to integrally form its students to achieve their highest potential in accordance with God’s plan in their life. Small class sizes allows each student’s area of strength to be enhanced and areas of weakness to be strengthened. For information call (636) 519-9099 or visit 17815 Wildhorse Creek Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63005.

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.

Rossman School, located in the heart of St. Louis County, offers families with children in Junior Kindergarten (age 4) through 6th grade a mission-based program that places outstanding academic performance at its core. This is coupled with a strong emphasis on integrity, kindness, responsibility and leadership. Students are actively engaged in the learning process through experiences that promote analytical and critical thinking, risk taking, investigation, individual creativity, cooperation and collaboration. For information, call (314) 434-5877 or www.rossmanschool.org.

St. Elizabeth’s Academy is the only private Catholic high school for young women located within the St. Louis city limits. Founded in 1882 by the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O’Fallon, Mo., SEA proudly encourages, affirms and empowers young women with a wide range of abilities, interests, cultures and economic backgrounds to apply for admission. The religious atmosphere, the caring community, the college credit curriculum, the academic leveling program, and the rich cultural diversity of the school population enable students to become well-educated, self-confident Christian women. For information, call (314) 771-5134, ext. 205, or www.stelizabethacademy.org.
St. John Vianney High School. A recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, Vianney is an all-boys college preparatory school in the Catholic/Marianist tradition where students are: educated for formation in faith, provided an integral, quality education, educated in the family spirit, educated for service, justice and peace, and educated for adaptation and change. For information, contact vianneyinfo@vianney.com, www.vianney.com or call (314) 965-4853 or visit 1311 S. Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122.

St. Joseph’s Academy: This all-girls college prep high school’s mission is to provide quality Catholic education for young women in an environment that challenges them to grow in faith, knowledge and respect for self and others. They expect these young women to make a profound impact in the world. Fifty-one hours of Advanced College Credit are offered through AP classes and SLU’s 1818 Program. Laptop computers, used by all students, enhance the academic program. Last May, Sports Illustrated named St. Joseph’s as the Best High School Sports Program in Missouri. For information, visit www.stjosephacademy.org.

Saint Louis Priory School is a Catholic, Benedictine School located on the grounds of the Abbey of Saint Mary and Saint Louis. Administered by the monks of the Abbey, the School provides a strong college preparatory program for a diverse group of bright young men of all faiths. The curriculum requires athletic participation, course work in the fine arts and religious studies, a senior thesis and community service. Advanced Placement courses are offered in almost every discipline. Reverend Michael Brunner, O.S.B. is Headmaster. Dennis Guilliams is Director of Admission. For information, contact Saint Louis Priory School, 500 S. Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141, (314) 434-3690 or visit www.priory.org

St. Louis University High School: Founded in 1818, SLUH is a private, Jesuit secondary educational institution located in the City of St. Louis. The school provides a premier education infused with the five-century-old tradition and philosophy of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. SLUH’s program features more than 85 elective course offerings, sports and activities. The school’s student body mirrors the geographic and socio-economic diversity of the entire metropolitan area. For information, contact Craig Hannick, Director of Admissions, at (314) 531-0330 ext. 298 or e-mail hannick@sluh.org.

Thomas Jefferson School: A coeducational boarding and day school for grades 7-12, Thomas Jefferson School offers motivated students of every background a rigorous classical curriculum emphasizing depth and quality in all major college-preparatory areas. The schedule of morning classes gives students the freedom to plan much of their own time for study and activities in the afternoon and encourages the development of mature time-management skills. Athletics, fine arts, community service and other activities complement the intellectual challenge. Call (314) 843-4151 or visit www.tjs.org.
Tower Grove Christian School, founded in 1978 as a ministry of Tower Grove Baptist Church, is located in the Shaw Park neighborhood in the City of St. Louis and serves students from St. Louis, Jefferson Counties, St. Louis city and southwestern Illinois. Tower Grove provides a challenging and comprehensive program from elementary through high school. Tower Grove Christian School is a comprehensive college preparatory program. For information, visit 4257 Magnolia Ave. or call (314) 776-6473 www.towergrove.org

Ursuline Academy of St. Louis: Founded in 1848 under the sponsorship of the Ursuline Sisters, this private, Catholic college preparatory high school is for young women. In a community environment built on standards of academic excellence and on respect for the uniqueness of each person, Ursuline Academy educates students for Christian living and leadership in a global society, nurtures the development of the whole person and her potential, and cultivates within its students a spirit of life-long service through its motto of Serviam, “I will serve.” For more information, call (314) 966-4556.
Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School, a Catholic, independent school founded in 1929, educates boys and girls in junior Kindergarten through 6th grade and young women in grades 7 through 12. As one of 21 Network of Sacred Heart Schools across the country, Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School shares a rich educational philosophy that is more than 200 years old. With faith at the forefront of their education, students learn in a challenging academic, yet supportive environment. Students are encouraged and inspired to make a difference within their communities and their world. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities available K-12. Visit the school at 801 S. Spoede Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131.Call (314) 432-2021 or visit www.vdoh.org.

Visitation Academy, founded in 1833, is a Catholic private school for 2-year-olds through grade 12. Visitation offers a coeducational Montessori preschool program, an all-girls school for Kindergarten to grade 6, and a six-year college preparatory curriculum for girls in grades 7 through 12. Based on the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, the challenging academic program encourages independent thinking, confidence and compassion. Graduates are prepared not only for college, but also for life. The Admission Office can be reached at 314-625-9103 or visit www.visitationacademy.org.

Westminster Christian Academy is an independent, coed Christian day school serving grades 7 to 12. Westminster provides a challenging, comprehensive college preparatory program designed to integrate God’s truth into every aspect of the school experience. Westminster has a thriving athletic program and is a member of the ABC athletic league. For the past two consecutive years, a WCA student has accomplished a perfect ACT score. Learn more online at www.wcastl.org or call (314) 997-2900. Location: 10900 Ladue Rd., Creve Coeur.

Whitfield School offers a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum challenging students’ minds while teaching them how to work both independently and collaboratively. The demanding academic program coupled with the support of a dedicated, world-class faculty prepares graduates for college and life beyond. Visit their campus at 175 S. Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141 or call (314) 434-5141.

The Wilson School: “Wilson kids know how to work a room.” That was overheard when asked, “What makes this school different?” The point is there’s a confidence borne of discovering and learning that is bred into the culture of The Wilson School. A small community, about 185 children pre-K through 6th grade, the luxury of two teachers per classroom, one class per grade and enrichment programs helps enable Wilson students to achieve their full potential. Located at 400 DeMun Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. Call (314) 725-4999 or visit www.wilsonschool.com.