ABC's of St. Louis

As you decide where to purchase your new home, school selection is a top priority for making the best decision for your family. In the Greater St. Louis area, there are nearly 1,000 public schools, as well as a multitude of private schools. Families living within the St. Louis city limits have many educational options, including excellent private, parochial, public, charter and Magnet schools. Students with special needs have accessibility to services in St. Louis area public schools.

There are more than 400 parochial and independent private schools from which to choose. “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. With more than 150 elementary and high schools in the area affiliated with the Catholic Church, St. Louis is the seventh largest Archdiocesan school system in the country.

Catholic Schools Archdiocese of St. Louis
Catholic education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis enjoys a long, proud tradition of academic excellence, Catholic religious formation, and safe, nurturing environments. It is the oldest and largest system of schools in the state, the seventh largest Archdiocesan school system in the country, and the only one with its own Department of Special Education. Fifty thousand students are currently enrolled in our 117 elementary, 28 secondary and 9 special education schools and centers. To learn more about Catholic schools, or to locate a Catholic school near you, visit us at www.archstl.org. Learn why we are the GOOD NEWS IN EDUCATION!

Chaminade College Preparatory School
Learning to Live Remarkably. Chaminade is the only area Catholic, Marianist school for young men that offers a dedicated middle and high school for boys in grades 6 through 12. Educating in family spirit is one of Chaminade’s most talked-about differences. The House System, led by student house captains, offers leadership and mentoring opportunities. Competitive athletics, world-class band, drama and fine arts programs, and a residence program with nearly 60 students from nine countries complement the school’s rigorous college prep curriculum.  Laptop computers, more than 150 hours of college credit courses and the experiential learning and community service programs are an integral part of the curriculum. For 100 years, Chaminade has helped students develop into confident young men who are prepared for college and life. For more information or to schedule a visit, call 314-993-4400 ext. 150, or visit www.chaminade-stl.org.

The College School
The College School is committed to providing a diverse group of children in preschool through eighth 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 lifelong passion for learning. The nationally and internationally renowned early childhood program incorporates the Reggio philosophy. For more information, call 314-962-9355 or visit www.thecollegeschool.org.

Community School
Community School is an independent elementary school serving children age 3 through sixth grade. Students build skills, abilities and confidence in a creative, balanced environment. Rigorous coursework and challenging academic standards are supported by the 7-to-1 student/teacher ratio, which allows personalized attention for each student. Test scores are consistently among the highest in the nation. Music, art, P.E., drama, wood shop, and foreign language are fully integrated across subject areas and complement the academic program. The 16-acre wooded campus with a pond, nature trail, playing fields and playgrounds provides infinite opportunities for discovery, observation and recreation. For more information, visit www.communityschool.com or call 314-991-0005.

Crossroads College Preparatory School
Crossroads College Preparatory School offers an academically challenging curriculum to a diverse and inclusive community of students representing approximately 60 zip codes in grades 7-12. Crossroads College Prep encourages its students to engage their imaginations in every endeavor, which range from the sciences to the fine arts, and strives to develop respectful citizens who apply scholarship, imagination, and critical thinking to civic and social responsibility in their communities and beyond. For information, contact the Admissions Office at 314-367-8101 or www.crossroadscollegeprep.org.

Francis Howell School District
The Francis Howell School District encompasses over 150 square miles in the southeast corner of St. Charles County, and is one of the largest school districts in Missouri, with an enrollment of nearly 18,000 students and approximately 2,500 employees. The District is comprised of three early childhood family education centers, ten elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, one alternative high school, and an alternative education center. It encompasses the municipalities of St. Peters, O’Fallon, Cottleville, Weldon Spring and New Melle. The Francis Howell Learning Community works everyday to provide the best learning practices for enhancing student achievement. For information visit www.fhsdschools.org.

The Fulton School at St. Albans
The Fulton School at St. Albans is an independent, not-for-profit school that prepares students for higher education and “a lifetime of learning.” Students of all ages – from 18 months through 12th grade – experience hands-on, student-centered teaching practices based on the Montessori philosophy at The Fulton School. The multi-aged, personalized approach works to promote positive social and emotional development in addition to academic skills in all students, and creative and critical thinking are encouraged. Knowing that parental involvement is key, a partnership between parents, teachers and students is an important foundation of The Fulton School philosophy. In addition, a diverse student body and an academically challenging and personally supportive environment allows students of The Fulton School to become responsible and educated global citizens.

Living Word Christian Schools
LWCS 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 two separate campuses located in St. Peters and O’Fallon Missouri. Our Preschool (ages 3-4) and elementary students (K-5) are able to enjoy a strong academic foundation with enrichment classes in music, computer and physical education. Secondary students (6-12) 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 x107 or visit www.lwcs.us.

Mary Institute & Saint Louis Country Day School
Mary Institute & Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS) offers an academically challenging and well-rounded liberal arts education for grades Junior Kindergarten through 12 in a co-ed college preparatory setting. Our class sizes average 14-16 students and create a spirit of community and intellectual exchange. Our middle school (grades 5-8) offers a unique combination of single-gender and co-educational classes. The 100-acre campus has state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, libraries, art studios and athletic facilities, and utilizes advanced technology, including wireless access, SMART Boards and a laptop computer program. Our mission is to help our students discover their unique talents and callings, preparing them not only for higher education, but for a life of purpose and service as an engaged citizen of our ever-changing world. For information, contact MICDS at 314-995-7367 or visit www.micds.org.

Thomas Jefferson School
A coeducational boarding and day school for grades 7 through 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.

Visitation Academy
Visitation Academy is an independent, Catholic school educating boys, girls and young women in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. Founded in 1833 by the Sisters of the Visitation, the Academy teaches its students to “Live Jesus” and emulate the virtues of joy, humility, simplicity, reverence and respect in everyday life. The Lower School includes both a coed Montessori preschool and an all-girls program for grades Kindergarten through 6; the Upper School offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum for young women grades 7 through 12. Call 314-625-9103 to speak with the Admission Office.

The Wilson School
The Wilson School, established in 1913, offers an accelerated academic program in a nurturing environment. With two full-time teachers per classroom, students receive small group instruction and individualized attention to help them excel and reach their fullest potential. The Wilson community enrolls approximately 190 children, beginning at age 3 through Grade 6. Its students rank nationally in the 90th to 99th percentile and enjoy excellent secondary school placement. Wilson is a coeducational elementary day school seeking to inspire students to be “confident, passionate and smart.” Located at 400 DeMun Ave. in Clayton. Call 314-725-4999 or visit www.wilsonschool.com.