Update: This article was last updated on 17th March 2025 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
St. Louis provides high–quality education and excellent extracurriculars. If you are seeking a school that specializes in STEM or one that gives a well-rounded liberal arts education, there is a private school in St. Louis that can accommodate your requirements.
Here, we will discuss the five best private schools in St. Louis that provide great academic programs, a caring community, and a variety of activities to enable your child to grow.
1. John Burroughs School
John Burroughs School, a co-educational preparatory school, was established in 1923 and named for the naturalist and author John Burroughs. The school is recognized for its challenging academic courses and superior college preparation, and it is considered to be one of the finest private schools in St. Louis. It provides a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a significant majority of its graduates attend some of the nation’s most competitive colleges and universities.
Outside of academics, students can participate in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as other clubs and organizations for a balanced education.
Website: jburroughs.org
Location and Address: 755 SOUTH PRICE ROAD LOUIS, MO 63124
Phone: 314-993-4040
- Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
- Tuition Fee: $32,800
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1420
- Average ACT: 32
- College Preparation: Yes
2. Thomas Jefferson School
Thomas Jefferson School is a coeducational school offering boarding school and day school possibilities. The school boasts of presenting a scenic campus, 7 AP courses, and 93% of the faculty holding advanced or terminal degrees. As one of the prestigious private high schools St Louis, it adopts a philosophy of “Small School. Big Impact.” It works to create and provide an environment for learning that makes higher-level thinking and the establishment of critical-thinking abilities in children possible.
Website: tjs.org
Location and Address: 4100 SOUTH LINDBERGH BLVD. ST LOUIS, MO 63127
Phone: 314-843-4151
- Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
- Tuition Fee: $32,375
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1420
- Average ACT: 32
- College Preparation: Yes
3. Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School
Established in 1859 as a girls’ school, the institute joined with St. Louis Country Day School in 1992 to form MICDS. It is currently a coeducational, independent school that puts a strong focus on character education, with an emphasis on integrity, responsibility, and compassion. MICDS is frequently listed as one of the top private schools in St Louis.
The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in academics, athletics, and the arts. Sustainability is a strong commitment of the school, as there are programs in place to minimize waste, save energy, and enhance environmental stewardship.
Website: micds.org
Location and Address: 101 NORTH WARSON ROAD SAINT LOUIS, MO 63124
Phone: 314-995-7367
- Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
- Tuition Fee: $31,500
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1370
- Average ACT: 31
- College Preparation: Yes
4. Saint Louis Priory School
Since its establishment in 1955 by the Benedictine monks of Saint Louis Abbey, the boys’ college-preparatory Saint Louis Priory School has earned a reputation for both intellectual excellence and a deep sense of community. In addition to its academic curriculum, Priory boasts of offering a strong sense of community among its diverse student body, which encompasses a variety of interests, backgrounds, and experiences.
Website: priory.org
Location and Address: 500 S MASON RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63141
Phone: 314-434-3690
- Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
- Tuition Fee: $26,775
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1410
- Average ACT: 32
- College Preparation: Yes
5. Whitfield School
A nationally known progressive education leader, Whitfield School, a co-educational, independent school, focuses on experiential learning, with options for students to participate in internships, service learning projects, and leadership development programs.
It also offers a strong athletics program with 21 varsity sports teams.
Website: whitfieldschool.org
Location and Address: 175 S MASON RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63141
Phone: 314-434-5141
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Tuition Fee: $32,550
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1260
- Average ACT: 28
- College Preparation: Yes
6. St. Louis University High School
St. Louis University High School plans the boy‘s education carefully so that he is a well-read, tolerant, compassionate person devoted to justice through religion. This commitment to excellence, which has been a hallmark of SLUH and its Jesuit heritage for over 200 years, extends beyond the classroom and demands great things from students with exceptional gifts from God.
Throughout their four years here, students have an environment of diversity and respect, fostered by need-blind admissions, discrimination-free friendships, a broad array of co-curricular activities geared to enable every student to maximize their potential, and diverse cultures. All in a warm and lively neighborhood.
Website: sluh.org
Location: 4970 OAKLAND AVE, ST. LOUIS, MO 63110
Phone: 314-531-0330
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Tuition Fee: $19,750
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1340
- Average ACT: 31
- College Preparation: Yes
7. Crossroads College Preparatory School
A progressive school that encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and social responsibility, Crossroads College Preparatory School is nestled in St. Louis. Its purpose goes beyond the classroom; in addition to providing a challenging, customized curriculum, it strives to equip students for significant lives by building an inclusive society that values diversity and active citizenship.
Crossroads flourishes on innovative pedagogies, focusing on project-based learning and experiential learning to instill a passion for lifelong learning. With an emphasis on arts, athletics, and service, well-rounded education prepares not only for academic success but also for a life in which students will make a difference in their environment. Choosing Crossroads means beginning an educational journey of transformation that extends far beyond traditional boundaries.
Website: crossroadscollegeprep.org
Location: 500 DEBALIVIERE, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63112
Phone: 314-367-8085
- Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
- Tuition Fee:$28,950
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1250
- Average ACT: 28
- College Preparation: Yes
8. Principia School
Principia School is a model of an inclusive curriculum founded on Christian Science principles. At Principia, academic excellence is matched with spiritual and character growth, setting students up for a valuable life focused on values such as labor, prayer, community, and hospitality.
Students at Principia thrive intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally in a caring community. The school, which is situated in St. Louis, has more than a classroom commitment in the form of outreach programs in the community that inculcate responsibility and positive contribution to society in general.
Through the choice of Principia, students embark on an inspiring adventure where character development and spiritual values harmoniously blend with academic success.
Website: principiaschool.org
Location:13201 CLAYTON RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63131
Phone: 314-514-3134
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Tuition Fee: $23,000
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1200
- Average ACT: 26
- College Preparation: Yes
9. Visitation Academy
The Visitation Academy, established in 1833 as the city‘s oldest private school, was established with the purpose of empowering young women. The academy has a historical background and achieves spiritual growth through a strong sense of community combined with a challenging academic program.
A legacy of excellence and empowerment spanning over two centuries, it equips young women for leadership in the broader society; the academy provides an inspirational environment that encourages them towards academic, social, and spiritual achievement.
Website: visitationacademy.org
Location:3020 N BALLAS RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63131
Phone: 314-625-9100
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Tuition Fee: $25,100
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1340
- Average ACT: 30
- College Preparation: Yes
10. Villa Duchesne Upper School
Villa Duchesne Upper School, a Sacred Heart network institution, maintains a legacy of scholastic excellence, individual development, and religious growth. Since its early origins, the institution has been committed to providing its students with an integrated education conducive to their spiritual, academic, and personal development.
The School‘s focus on character and academic excellence combine to foster an atmosphere where students achieve academically and meet Sacred Heart values.
The school, situated in the heart of St. Louis, educates students for a meaningful life that contributes positively to their communities by instilling values such as compassion, integrity, and social responsibility.
Villa Duchesne Upper School involves an all-around learning experience that merges principles, tradition, and excellence.Website: villa1929.org
Location:10801 CONWAY RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63131
Phone: 314-432-2021
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Tuition Fee: $27,845
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1240
- Average ACT: 28
- College Preparation: Yes
Here we are! We hope our researched list of the top 10 private schools in St. Louis is helpful in your search for the best education for your child.
Ultimately, the choice of school is a personal one, and we encourage you to visit each school’s website and schedule a tour to learn more about their unique programs and culture.
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I have heard that the schools in St. Louis is expensive, which is the most expensive private school in St Louis MO?
Great Circle Academy, John Burroughs School, Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS), Mary Institute, and Whitfield School are quite expensive.
Looking to shift in the neighborhood in St. Louis, which one is the sophisticated and richest one?
In the St. Louis Neighborhoods Guide of 2023, the Wydown-Skinker area stands out as the wealthiest.
What extracurricular activities or special interest clubs do these schools offer to enrich students’ experiences?
The top private schools in St. Louis boast a diverse range of extracurricular activities and clubs, catering to various interests. Students can participate in options like debate teams, robotics clubs, arts ensembles, sports teams, coding clubs, and community service initiatives. These opportunities enhance their holistic development and foster a sense of camaraderie among peers
What measures do these schools take to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students?
These schools prioritize safety and inclusivity by implementing strict security protocols, conducting regular safety drills, and maintaining a vigilant staff. They also promote diversity through inclusive curriculum, sensitivity training, and support services for students of all backgrounds, creating a welcoming educational environment.
When we were shifting to St. Louis, choosing the proper private school for my child became so overwhelming. Honestly, it is just about choosing options from what curriculum and extracurricular activities best fit in for us. Such an important decision for the future of your children!
One thing that helped us while choosing a private school was attending open houses. It gave us a real feel for the school’s culture and facilities. Definitely worth considering for parents in the decision-making process!