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 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.
Crossroads College Preparatory School
A student-centered independent school where small classes, personalized instruction, and experiential learning prepare students for success in college and beyond. Serves Grades 7–12.
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.
John Burroughs School
A rigorous independent school that combines challenging academics with exceptional arts, athletics, and character development. Serves Grades 7–12.
Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS)
A college preparatory independent school where challenging academics, character development, and a vibrant campus community help students grow with confidence. Serves Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.
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.
Thomas Jefferson School
A college preparatory school offering both boarding and day school options that challenges academically motivated students through a rigorous curriculum and close-knit campus community. Serves Grades 7–12.
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 Whitfield School
An independent college preparatory school that emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful relationships in a close-knit learning community. Serves Grades 6–12.
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 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.