Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Find Private Elementary Schools in St. LouisWhere confident school choices begin.

The elementary years help shape how your child learns. ISSL makes it easier to explore some of the top private elementary schools in the St. Louis area. Our mission is to make it easier for you to find a school that feels like the right fit for your child, all at no cost to you.

Browse Some of the Top St. Louis Private Elementary Schools

Andrews Academy Creve Coeur

A Montessori-inspired independent school that nurtures curiosity, independence, and confidence through personalized, hands-on learning. Serves ages 18 months through Grade 6.

Andrews Academy Lake Saint Louis

An independent Montessori school that encourages children to become self-motivated, compassionate learners in a supportive environment. Serves ages 18 months through Grade 6.

Chesterfield Montessori School

An authentic Montessori school where individualized, hands-on learning helps students build independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Serves ages 14 months–15 years.

City Academy

A tuition-free independent school committed to helping students thrive through individualized instruction, character development, and a strong sense of community. Serves Kindergarten through Grade 6.

The College School

An independent school where experiential, project-based learning encourages students to ask questions, solve problems, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Serves Preschool to Grade 8.

Community School

An independent elementary school where experiential learning, creativity, and academic excellence inspire children to become thoughtful, engaged learners. Serves Preschool through Grade 6.

Forsyth School

A student-centered independent school that combines challenging academics with joyful exploration, leadership opportunities, and hands-on learning. Serves Junior Kindergarten through Grade 6.

New City School

An independent school that blends academic excellence with diversity, global citizenship, and experiential learning to prepare students for an ever-changing world. Serves Preschool through Grade 6.

Rohan Woods School

A nurturing independent school where small class sizes, individualized instruction, and character development help every child reach their potential. Serves Junior Kindergarten through Grade 6.

Rossman School

An independent elementary school focused on academic excellence, leadership, and character development in a close-knit learning community. Serves Junior Kindergarten through Grade 6.

The Waldorf School of St. Louis

A Waldorf education that blends academics, creativity, and experiential learning to support each child's intellectual, artistic, and personal growth. Serves Early Childhood through Grade 3.

The Wilson School

A joyful independent school that combines rigorous academics with creativity, collaboration, and hands-on experiences that foster a lifelong love of learning. Serves Preschool through Grade 6.

Why Choose Private Elementary Schools?

  • Small class sizes that give teachers more opportunities to know each student.
  • Strong academic programs that encourage a lifelong love of learning.
  • Academic support and enrichment opportunities tailored to a variety of learning styles.
  • Clubs, athletics, arts, music, and leadership opportunities that help children explore new interests.
  • Hands-on learning experiences that encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving.

Many independent schools offer tuition assistance, scholarships, flexible payment plans, and other financial aid opportunities to help make a private education more accessible. ISSL can help you explore schools that fit both your child's needs and your family's budget so that affordability can be part of the conversation from the beginning.

For many children, there is an adjustment period as they get to know new classmates, teachers, and routines. Independent schools are experienced in welcoming new students and often provide thoughtful onboarding and supportive classroom environments that help children feel comfortable and engaged as they settle into their new school community.

St. Louis families can choose from a wide variety of independent elementary school experiences, including:

  • Christian schools
  • Catholic schools
  • Special needs schools
  • Jewish schools
  • Traditional independent schools

  1. Browse dozens of ISSL member schools here, and narrow your search by what matters most to you, from grade level to religious affiliation.
  2. Start your search via geographic location with our map of independent schools in St. Louis City and St. Louis County.
  3. Listen to our ISSL Podcasts here to learn more about the application process, parent perspectives, and more.
  4. All ISSL members follow a standardized admissions timeline. To learn more about application and admission timelines and other important dates, please visit our Admissions Timeline page.

Finding the right school doesn't have to feel overwhelming. ISSL gives you a trusted place to compare independent schools and learn about different educational models.

Our goal isn't to tell you which school to choose. It's to make your research easier, so you can find the learning environment that's the right fit for your child and your family.