Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Find Private Schools Near You in St. Louis

Your search for your child's education starts here

When finding the right private school in St. Louis feels overwhelming, Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL) is there to help. ISSL brings together trusted, independent schools in one place, giving your family a simple way to explore what makes each school unique and move forward with confidence.

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See Local Independent Schools Near You

Find the private school that will celebrate your child's achievements, encourage their interests, and develop their strengths.

Find a Private School in 3 Simple Steps

1. Compare Your Options

Explore dozens of the top independent schools in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, all in one place.

2. Find What Feels Right

Location, educational philosophy, grade levels, values, and learning environment all matter. ISSL makes it easier to compare schools so you can find the one that feels like the best fit for your family.

3. See Your Child Thrive

Connect with the right school and see your child grow in the right environment.

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ISSL Helps You Find the Fit That Feels Right For Your Family.

For decades, Independent Schools of St. Louis has helped families navigate one of life's biggest decisions: choosing the right school. As a free, trusted resource, we make researching schools simpler, so you can focus on finding the environment where your child will thrive, not sorting through hundreds of options on your own.

Browse schools by educational philosophy, school culture, gender division, and grade level to discover the options that best match your family's priorities.

Christian Schools

Christian independent schools provide a faith-centered education that combines strong academics with character development. Families will find engaging college preparatory curriculum, supportive faculty, welcoming campuses, and communities that encourage students to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

ISSL member Christian schools include:

Catholic Schools

Catholic schools offer rigorous academics alongside opportunities for growth in service and faith. Many feature advanced coursework, competitive athletics and extracurricular activities, experienced faculty, and campuses designed to support students from the classroom to graduation.

ISSL member Catholic schools include:

Special Needs Schools

Special needs schools provide individualized learning environments designed to help every student succeed. With specialized academic programs, highly trained educators, therapeutic resources, and supportive campuses, these schools focus on helping students build confidence while reaching their unique potential.

ISSL member special needs schools include:

Jewish Schools

Jewish schools blend strong academics with Jewish values, traditions, and culture in a welcoming community. Students benefit from engaging curriculum, dedicated faculty, enriching campus experiences, and an educational philosophy that encourages intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, and lifelong learning.

ISSL member Jewish schools include:

Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School

Traditional Private Schools

Traditional independent schools offer challenging academics in close-knit learning communities where students are known as individuals. Families can expect experienced educators, enriching extracurricular opportunities, thoughtfully designed campuses, and educational approaches that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

ISSL member traditional private schools include:

Private Elementary Schools

Private elementary schools build strong academic and social foundations to set young students up for success throughout their academic careers and beyond. Small class sizes and supportive learning environments help young students develop confidence and a love of learning.

ISSL member private elementary schools include:

Private High Schools

Private high schools prepare students for college and beyond through rigorous academics, leadership opportunities, athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs. Students are supported by experienced faculty who challenge them to grow both inside and outside the classroom while preparing for their next chapter.

ISSL member private high schools include:

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St. Louis Private Schools FAQs

There isn't a single "right" age to enroll your child in a private school. Some families begin in preschool or kindergarten. Others transition at a later age, after their child's goals change.

The best time is truly whenever you find the environment that's the right fit for your child, at the right time.

Tuition varies from school to school, but many independent schools offer financial assistance or flexible tuition programs that make a private education more accessible than families often expect. We encourage parents not to rule out a school based on assumptions about cost before learning about the financial aid opportunities that may be available.

The right school is one where:

  • Your child's strengths, challenges, and interests are recognized,
  • Your family's values are respected, and
  • Teachers commit themselves to your child's success.

Every child is different. ISSL helps families explore a variety of schools, instead of pointing everyone toward the same choice.

Independent schools in St. Louis serve students at a variety of grade levels, from preschool and elementary through middle school and high school. That means local families with children of all ages can explore the benefits of an independent education.

What is offered varies by each school, so families have options for their child's education. Many ISSL members focus on specific age groups or provide specialized academic and student support divisions. Others offer a continuous experience from early childhood through graduation.

No matter which school model you prefer, ISSL makes it easier to compare your options.

Every child defines success differently. The right private school is one that helps each child reach their own potential.

St. Louis independent schools are known for their strong academic outcomes, unmatched faculty, unique extracurricular opportunities, and building communities that celebrate student achievements.

That's exactly why ISSL exists. As a free resource for families, we make it easier to compare trusted independent schools, learn what makes each one unique, and confidently narrow your options.

All you need to do is select the school that feels right for your child.

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