Andrews Academy, Creve Coeur
An educational journey where curiosity and creativity are encouraged while developing a strong academic foundation.
Explore Traditional Private Schools in St. LouisWhere confident school choices begin
Finding the right school starts with understanding your options. ISSL makes it easier by bringing together many of St. Louis' top traditional private schools in one place, so you can compare learning environments and know you're choosing the best fit for your child.
Browse Some of the Top St. Louis Traditional Private Schools
-
-
Andrews Academy, Lake Saint Louis
Fast-paced, personalized education in a nurturing environment set on a beautiful wooded campus.
-
Chesterfield Montessori School
Stimulating challenges that meet cognitive, emotional, and social needs in an authentic, AMI Montessori setting.
-
City Academy
Transforming children, families and our community through exceptional education and bold expectations that empower children to overcome barriers.
-
The College School
Engaging children in joyful, meaningful and creative learning through an adventurous, theme-based, experiential curriculum.
-
Community School
Active, experiential learning with a challenging curriculum that integrates academics, the arts, physical education, and interpersonal skills.
-
Crossroads College Preparatory School
Striving to be an exemplary and engaging learning community committed to justice and equity.
-
Forsyth School
A challenging and engaging curriculum promotes age-appropriate independence and prepares students to thrive in secondary school and beyond.
-
John Burroughs School
Instilling the joy of living through active learning, integrity, and service to others in an inclusive community.
-
Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School | MICDS
A dynamic learning environment for intellectually curious and ambitious students.
-
New City School
Providing an education that is challenging and joyful in equal measure with a hands-on, experiential curriculum.
-
Rohan Woods School
Providing a challenging, integrated Project Approach to learning that encompasses respect, responsibility, and leadership.
-
Rossman School
Exceptional teachers are dedicated to discovering and nurturing that which makes each student one-of-a-kind.
-
Thomas Jefferson School
Offering the strongest possible college-preparatory program in a nurturing community.
-
The Waldorf School of St. Louis
A learning method that meets the physical, emotional, and intellectual dimensions of the developing child.
-
The Whitfield School
Redefining excellence: rigorous academics, experiential learning, and a supportive community where students grow as scholars, leaders, and changemakers.
-
The Wilson School
Giving children a strong academic foundation in the caring environment they need to succeed.
Why Choose Traditional Private Education?
- Small class sizes and student-teacher ratio mean students have more opportunities for individual attention.
- Strong relationships between families, teachers, and school leaders that help build a welcoming community.
- Rigorous, academic programs that support students' interests while challenging them to grow.
- Traditional and non-traditional learning environments that can suit the learning styles of students of various abilities and backgrounds.
- A wide variety of hands-on opportunities, including extracurricular activities and leadership programs that help students grow inside and outside the classroom.
- Dedicated faculty who know their students well and help them build confidence throughout their educational journey.
Many families are surprised to learn that an independent school may be more affordable than they expected. While tuition and scholarship programs vary by school, many offer financial aid and flexible payment options that can make a private education more accessible. ISSL helps you explore your options so you can have informed conversations with schools about what may be available.
Every child succeeds differently, which is why finding the right fit matters so much. Traditional independent schools often provide smaller classes, engaged teachers, and supportive learning communities that help students discover their strengths, so they can pursue their goals with confidence.
Yes. Many independent schools have experience welcoming students from public schools and work closely with families to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Teachers, administrators, and admissions teams are there to answer questions, provide guidance, and help your child feel comfortable in their new school community.
St. Louis City and St. Louis County are home to various independent school models that may be the right fit for your family, including not just traditional private schools, but also:
- Christian schools
- Catholic schools
- Special needs schools
- Jewish schools
- Private elementary schools
- Private high schools
- You can browse dozens of ISSL member schools here. Narrow down your search by special services, religious affiliation, and educational model.
- To narrow down your search by geographic location, see our map of independent schools in St. Louis City and St. Louis County here.
- For more information about finding the right fit, admissions processes, and parent perspectives, you can listen to our ISSL Podcasts here.
You need to find the right school for your child, but the options may feel overwhelming.
That's where ISSL can help.
As a free resource for families, we make it easier to compare schools and narrow your options without feeling overwhelmed. We don't tell you which school to choose. We simply give you a trusted place to begin, so you can make the decision that's right for your child and 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.