Getting the word out about existing choices for parents and children in St. Louis

“Choice” is too often the last word parents associate with their child’s education. The truth is that there are many school options in St. Louis. Because a child’s education is a vitally important subject, competition and information to local parents is crucial.

St. Louis public schools enrolled almost 33,000 students during the 2006-07 school year. As the largest district in the state, SLPS has 55 elementary, 16 middle, 16 high and 5 special schools. Students are assigned based on simply on address.

Magnet schools are another option though the SLPS district. These schools have no geographic boundaries and offer unique curriculum. For acceptance to a magnet school, families must apply and are then chosen by a lottery system. Early childhood and elementary have 12 schools specializing in math-science-technology, international studies, visual/performing arts, gifted education or general academics. The 12 middle and high schools offer similar special programs plus a military academy.

Charter schools are independent public school alternatives created by teachers, parents or citizens with a common education mission. Charter schools enrolled 10, 342 in their 22 Missouri schools. High-risk applicants in currently failing public schools are given priority.

Inter-district voluntary transfer programs have offered thousands of African-American students from failing public schools in the city the opportunity to attend public schools in the county. The Voluntary Inter-district Choice Corporation (VICC) possesses the related application and information. The county school available depends on the specific location of the city student.

K-12 Virtual schools are a SLPS effort that began in the 2007-08 school year. Courses are offered using web-based methods as a form of distance learning. Interested families must submit an application—which are available online.

Technical and Career Academies are open to city students. Imagine Academy of Careers and Clyde Miller Career Academy are both examples in the St. Louis area. They offer a more job and need related education to high school students.

Catholic and Lutheran Private Schools provide another option. These religiously affiliated schools are located throughout the city, however they require tuition payments. The Today and Tomorrow Education Foundation offers scholarships for city families in need and are currently accepting applications.

Independent Private Schools also offer a non-public tuition education, however theses schools do not have religious ties. Interested parents should apply at the specific school.

Homeschool is yet another education option. Parents may choose to teach their children at home based on state laws. Homeschool families can often receive support from different religious and secular organizations.

http://stlcin.missouri.org/education/K12.cfm