Academy of St. Louis
School for students from K-12 specializing in autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and developmental delays.
Find an Independent School
Having a wide variety of independent school options means families can choose their own curriculum as it relates to their family's beliefs, education priorities and values.
Find the best fit for your child. ISSL represents 44 of our region's most highly acclaimed independent and private schools. Make one of the best investments you'll ever make. Choose an independent school.
Browse Some of the Top St. Louis Independent Schools
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Academy of the Sacred Heart
A happy environment focused on building strong academic skills while fostering independent learning and communication.
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Andrews Academy, Creve Coeur
An educational journey where curiosity and creativity are encouraged while developing a strong academic foundation.
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Andrews Academy, Lake Saint Louis
Fast-paced, personalized education in a nurturing environment set on a beautiful wooded campus.
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Central Christian School
A Gospel-driven, academically excellent community preparing children to engage the world by instilling a passion for God, love of truth, and a zeal to serve.
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Chaminade College Preparatory School
Educating academically, morally, and socially with character formation in the Catholic Marianist tradition.
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Chesterfield Montessori School
Stimulating challenges that meet cognitive, emotional, and social needs in an authentic, AMI Montessori setting.
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Christian Brothers College High School
Educating young men of diverse academic, social, racial, geographic, religious, and economic backgrounds.
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Churchill Center & School for Learning Disabilities
Individualized education for high potential children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities .
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City Academy
Transforming children, families and our community through exceptional education and bold expectations that empower children to overcome barriers.
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The College School
Engaging children in joyful, meaningful and creative learning through an adventurous, theme-based, experiential curriculum.
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Community School
Active, experiential learning with a challenging curriculum that integrates academics, the arts, physical education, and interpersonal skills.
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Cor Jesu Academy
Offering an academically challenging program to young women. Students embrace personal dignity, faith, integrity and compassion.
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Crossroads College Preparatory School
Striving to be an exemplary and engaging learning community committed to justice and equity.
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EYC Academy
Born from a vision to offer a unique school experience that truly meets the diverse needs of modern students.
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Forsyth School
A challenging and engaging curriculum promotes age-appropriate independence and prepares students to thrive in secondary school and beyond.
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The Fulton School
Providing Montessori education in a college-preparatory environment, fostering confidence, character, and a deep love of learning.
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Incarnate Word Academy
Striving to challenge young women of faith to achieve their God-given potential academically, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
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John Burroughs School
Instilling the joy of living through active learning, integrity, and service to others in an inclusive community.
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Kirk Day School
Distinguished by the strength of a proven academic program grounded in a Christian worldview.
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Logos School
Helping students with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges reignite their enthusiasm for life and learning.
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Marian Middle School
Providing transformational education and enrichment programming during the school years and graduate support.
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Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School | MICDS
A dynamic learning environment for intellectually curious and ambitious students.
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Miriam School and Learning Center
Miriam's Mission is to empower unique learners by building confidence and a foundation for success.
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Nerinx Hall
A demanding curriculum challenges students to understand their world; a Christian community nurtures the Spirit alive in each student.
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New City School
Providing an education that is challenging and joyful in equal measure with a hands-on, experiential curriculum.
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Principia School
Welcoming students of diverse faiths who value scholarship and are eager to grow in character, embrace opportunity, and pursue excellence.
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Rohan Woods School
Providing a challenging, integrated Project Approach to learning that encompasses respect, responsibility, and leadership.
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Rosati-Kain Academy
Cultivating the individuality, faith, talent, and aspirations of diverse young women who aspire to lead and serve the world.
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Rossman School
Exceptional teachers are dedicated to discovering and nurturing that which makes each student one-of-a-kind.
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Saint Louis Priory School
A classical, rigorous education develops key characteristics that selective colleges and universities are looking for.
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Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School
Hands-on, academically rigorous curriculum, lessons in social responsibility, and meaningful Jewish learning.
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South City Community School
Providing students a feast of ideas preparing them for their next academic endeavor.
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St. John Vianney High School
Dedicated to forming young men for spiritual, academic, and personal excellence in the Catholic, Marianist tradition.
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St. Joseph’s Academy
Offering a blend of rigorous academics, exposure to the arts, competitive athletics, and a variety of service opportunities.
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St. Louis University High
A Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school for young men, committed to its presence in the City of St. Louis and dedicated to building Christ’s kingdom.
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St. Mary's South Side Catholic High School
Forming leaders in a brotherhood of unity, empathy, dignity, and respect, to uplift our neighborhood, community, and world.
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Thomas Jefferson School
Offering the strongest possible college-preparatory program in a nurturing community.
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Ursuline Academy
A unique community in which every member is devoted to leading young women down a path of success and discovery.
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Villa Duchesne
Fostering faith, intellect, social awareness, relationships, and personal growth in a community with love at the center.
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Visitation Academy
Encouraging confidence, curiosity, and creativity through a well-established coed Montessori program.
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The Waldorf School of St. Louis
A learning method that meets the physical, emotional, and intellectual dimensions of the developing child.
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The Whitfield School
Redefining excellence: rigorous academics, experiential learning, and a supportive community where students grow as scholars, leaders, and changemakers.
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The Wilson School
Giving children a strong academic foundation in the caring environment they need to succeed.
What are Independent Schools?
Unlike public school districts, independent schools are governed by independent boards of trustees. This setup allows them greater freedom when making decisions about curriculum, programs, class sizes, and student experiences based on their mission and the needs of their community.
- Smaller class sizes, with a student-teacher ratio that gives each student the attention they deserve.
- Unique opportunities, including STEM, leadership, and arts programs that allow for experiential learning students may not otherwise access at public schools.
- Greater support network that matches the unique needs of each child, from special education resources to hands-on learning opportunities that sets students up for success.
- High academic standards that challenge each student to reach their full potential.
- Holistic growth mindset that focuses on not just academics, but also resilience, critical thinking, and empathy.
Many families want to explore independent schools but automatically assume they cannot afford it. But that couldn't be further from the truth. While it's true that there are costs associated with private schools that aren't with public schools, many ISSL member schools offer financial support for families, helping spread their mission throughout the region.
No two students are exactly alike. The same is true of independent schools.
One of the biggest strengths of independent schools is that there is no single "best" school. The right choice depends on your child's needs and your family's priorities.
You already know what's right for your family. ISSL is here to help you explore your options, including:
- Traditional Private Schools
- Private Elementary Schools
- Private High Schools
- Christian Schools
- Catholic Schools
- Special Needs Schools
- Jewish Schools
Every child's experience is different, but many families tell us the transition is smoother than they expected. Independent schools work closely with new students and families to help them feel welcomed, build connections, and adjust to a new environment at their own pace. Our role is to help you find a school where that transition feels like the right next step for your child, not just a change in classrooms.
With hundreds of schools in the St. Louis area, it can be hard to know where to start or how to compare your options. And despite what you may hear, there isn't one "best" independent school. There is only the school that's the best fit for your child.
That's why ISSL exists.
We're a free resource that helps families discover and compare 44 of the St. Louis area's leading independent schools. We don't recommend one school over another, and we aren't educational consultants. Instead, we make the research process easier by bringing trusted information together in one place, so you can spend less time searching and more time finding a school where your child can thrive.
Because choosing a school shouldn't feel overwhelming. It should feel like finding the right fit for your family.
Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy as to Students
ISSL members admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at these schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.