Our Mission

Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL) has been serving the St. Louis Metropolitan Area since 1972. Representing over 40 of the top independent schools in the region, we help families find the right education for their child and create a community for educators.

ISSL Mission Statement

Our mission at ISSL is simple:

1. We promote the value of independent education to families and help them find the right fit for them, free of charge.
2. We promote professional development for educators and trustees, encouraging collaboration and support for school leaders.

Who We Serve

ISSL is built for families and schools. We help families find an education that matches the unique potential of their child, and we help independent schools find a network of like-minded educators.

Our Vision

The independent school system in St. Louis can feel overwhelming, but we don’t believe it needs to be that way. 

At ISSL, we believe that–when families and schools work together–every family will find the right fit for their child and each independent school will have a supportive network of other educators and community leaders.

Our Values

• Integrity. We believe in doing right by families and schools alike.
• Diversity. Our different backgrounds give us unique perspectives. We enrich each other when we share what makes us unique.
• Community. Every child is known and encouraged. Every educator is connected and supported.
• Freedom. The freedom to choose the right environment for each family is at the core of everything we do.

Join ISSL's Mission