2020 Best Schools in MissouriAbout this List

John Burroughs School

• Private School
• St. Louis, MO
• 7-12
• 55 reviews

Parent: I cannot say enough good things about this school. The staff is absolutely top-notch. They have nurtured, challenged, and loved our daughter from day one. The curriculum is tough (well it would have been tough for me at their age!), but they support the kids in a way that pushes them to be their best, and to believe in themselves and their abilities. If you stumble, they're there to help pick you up, teach you to move on, and learn from mistakes without being debilitated by them.

There are so many opportunities to try new things (arts, sports, every kind of club you could imagine), and the feeling of community and kindness really lends itself to allow kids to come into their own. Both the staff and the other parents really work hard to welcome new families into the JBS community. And don't get me started on the head of school, Andy Abbott- what a rock star! I couldn't imagine a better school to prepare my child for the adult world. I only wish I could have been a student here!
Read 55 Reviews

• A+

• 641 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Thomas Jefferson School

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• 7-12
• 43 reviews

Sophomore: Thomas Jefferson School provides unique learning opportunities that can't be found at any other schools. The small size allows students to participate in classes and be heard by the faculty. Even as a day student, I get the chance to 'live' in a dorm and interact with boarding life. I am not going to be a D1 athlete, but TJ gives me the opportunity to expand my skills and compete within the conference. To me, the athletics at TJS are appropriate and VERY valued!
Read 43 Reviews

• A+

• 85 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Pembroke Hill School

• Private School
• Kansas City, MO
• PK, K-12
• 71 reviews

Senior: I believe I have gotten the best education at Pembroke Hill than I would at any other school in the area. The teachers and the administration really care about student's success. The community is small so you get close with teachers and students. The academic pressure is very high, but there are many resources to help you succeed and everyone is very supportive. The school is also very good at preparing students for college, with a large college counseling program. My one complaint would be the lack of racial diversity, but the school is doing a lot of work to increase diversity in the school. Socially, I think everyone will be able to find friends. Despite the school being small, there are so many different types of students and personalities that everyone should feel at home!
Read 71 Reviews

• A+

• 1,163 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

MICDS - Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• PK, K-12
• 139 reviews

Junior: I really love how students are set in a collaborative environment that fosters strong education and a sense of community; however, the student groups tend to be excessively cliquey for those of whom decide to join later. Nonetheless, the college-readiness and guidance from counselors and teachers prepare students more than enough to survive and make a difference in the academic world. The teachers promote strong education and if you work hard and wisely allocate your time with the available resources, you should be set for future happiness and success. Many complain about the homework load, but it should help prepare you for the college load.
Read 139 Reviews

• A+

• 1,245 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Clayton High School

• School District of Clayton, MO
• 9-12
• 127 reviews

Parent: Clayton is a wonderful school. The environment is conducive to promoting positive learning experiences. The family support(s) and resources are always available.
The students are very welcoming, constantly sharing their knowledge of educational experiences and showing team building spirit!
The school is recognized for achieving state standards, diversity , positive school culture, and college readiness programs.
Clayton high school is the best school chosen by many! And always a good choice of schools to attend.
Read 127 Reviews

• A+

• 867 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Saint Louis Priory School

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• 7-12
• 82 reviews

Parent: We can't recommend Priory enough. Though early into his tenure, we'd like to share our thoughts with you as our son is currently a new 7th grader. We were interested in a school that would challenge and bring out the best in our son (he previously attended a challenging Catholic school). The curriculum is rigorous, and our son greatly enjoys all of his classes and teachers. It has been a bit bumpy here and there with grades, but this was expected. Teachers are all available when extra help is needed, but your son must reach out to them and make the time. Is there a fair amount of homework? Yes, but it seems to be pretty evenly balanced across the subjects. Our son is very active in sports, so we've been careful to balance his activities, letting him get accustomed to the new setting and priorities.
Read 82 Reviews

• A+

• 383 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Louis University High School

• Private School
• St. Louis, MO
• 9-12
• 205 reviews

Parent: The curriculum, teachers and overall experience has been very good! They prepare the students for college, strengthen their faith and foster a unique brotherhood for life. My only suggestion for improvement is communication. At times parents rely on other parents through the Facebook class page to inform or clarify information. For example, incoming seniors recently received a summer mailer about senior pictures at school this summer, but no other information was provided via school email so at first I thought it was a marketing mailer and I almost tossed it.
Read 205 Reviews

• A+

• 980 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Barstow School

• Private School
• Kansas City, MO
• PK, K-12
• 32 reviews

Alum: Teachers are incredible- all very knowledgeable and committed to success of their students. The English and History department teachers are especially impressive. The administration, however, is top-heavy, and overly concerned with external image. Their interests seem to be monetarily focused rather than on the welfare and happiness of students. I attended Barstow for over 13 years and am grateful for the education I received and the relationships I made, but saw a significant drop in morale among both students and teachers in recent years.
Read 32 Reviews

• A+

• 710 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Whitfield School

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• 6-12
• 21 reviews

Senior: I began Whitfield School in the 7th grade, fall of 2013, and I just graduated high school May 28, 2019.
I feel that Whitfield really embraced me in its school community, as there is no perfect place I really think that the student body, parents, faculty, and staff really make people of different ethnicities feel welcome at the school.
The school moto of habits of mind and heart, is what makes the entire school community feel this since of cohesiveness. There's dialogue on differnces during class seminars in subjects such as world government, world and American history, and
the teachers at Whitfield do a dynamic job of leading these types of discussions that sometime can be difficult, which brings me back to the school moto of habits of mind and heart, embracing others differences.
I will always love and feel very connected to my secondary learning community Whitfield School.
Read 21 Reviews

• A+

• 440 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rockhurst High School

• Private School
• Kansas City, MO
• 9-12
• 126 reviews

Senior: Rockhurst is a high school unlike no other. The teachers are caring and will actually teach you. The community is absolutely the best thing as every one is there for each other. Plus, our sports are quite good! There are also many opportunities for electives that students can take. One of the downfalls though is that their history program definitely needs a lot of work and most of the teachers partake in some kind of sport, however that does not diminish their teaching skills. Overall Rockhurst is a good place to be.
Read 126 Reviews

• A+

• 1,016 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Columbia Independent School

• Private School
• Columbia, MO
• PK, K-12
• 26 reviews

Sophomore: I have been a student at CIS since I was in kindergarten, and although there are definitely some things that could be changed, it is overall an incredibly inclusive and growth-oriented environment. The opportunities presented are incredible, especially considering the size of the school. The class sizes are small, especially in the high school, but the teachers are always there for you, and the interaction between faculty and staff is unique and completely worth the tuition!
Read 26 Reviews

• A+

• 325 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Visitation Academy

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• PK, K-12
• 136 reviews

Senior: I have spent nearly six years at Visitation Academy, and I cannot picture myself at any other school in the St. Louis area. Viz has so much to offer young women as they grow in faith and knowledge. I feel supported by teachers and administration but also challenged by my extracurricular activities and coursework to become more independent in my learning. There are a few things that I wish Viz would improve upon. For example, I have been involved with the impressive Viz arts program for the past six years, and I believe that Viz should build a new theater. More importantly, I think Viz needs to work on diversity. Being a Catholic school in West County, Viz typically pulls students from Catholic K-8 schools nearby. I think tuition assistance and other services would help students from other areas. Nevertheless, I have received a very well-rounded education at Viz and I am very thankful for this. I am excited for college because Visitation Academy has truly prepared me for the future.
Read 136 Reviews

• A+

• 548 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Parkway Central High School

• Parkway School District, MO
• 9-12
• 141 reviews

Senior: The teachers at PCH have helped me be successful in the classroom. They have stayed after school, come in early and spent their lunch time helping me with my school work. There are a lot of clubs and sports to get involved in. I am big into soccer and have played on Varsity all four years. Soccer has helped me in so many ways both on and off the field. I think PCH is a great school and am very grateful to have spent all four years as a Colt!
Read 141 Reviews

• A+

• 1,216 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ladue Horton Watkins High School

• Ladue School District, MO
• 9-12
• 207 reviews

Senior: Located at 1201 South Warson Road, Ladue Horton Watkins High School builds itself upon character and accomplishments. Rated the second best high school in Missouri and 363 in the nation, Ladue School District is known for excelling in academics as well as athletics. Not only is Ladue Horton Watkins High School known for this, they are also known for creating a welcoming atmosphere for all students. The most important lesson I learned was how to display my gifts and talents for all to see with confidence. At Ladue, each student understands diversity and celebrates each person on their ability to stand out from the crowd. After lacking in confidence for so many years, my transfer to Ladue Horton Watkins High School my freshman year was truly a blessing in disguise. Without the help of Ladue's amazing faculty and students I would not have found true happiness or become the person I am today!
Read 207 Reviews

• A+

• 1,276 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lafayette High School

• Rockwood R-VI School District, MO
• 9-12
• 289 reviews

Senior: Lafayette High School has shaped me into a very well rounded student. I feel very prepared for the next step in my educational career. I have had the opportunity take AP classes as well as classes in different career fields. Lafayette offers endless extra curricular activities from athletics to various clubs. I have participated in their soccer and track programs as well as Link Crew and Key Club. There is something for everyone. The coaching staff, teachers and administrators are exceptional! I could not have asked for more in my high school education. Thank you Lafayette!
Read 289 Reviews

• A+

• 1,856 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cor Jesu Academy

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• 9-12
• 155 reviews

Senior: Cor Jesu is overall a great place, and I do consider it my home away from home. I treasure the years I spent there and the people I was able to meet along the way. Diversity (racial/socioeconomic/LGBTQ) isn't great - there are marginalized groups at CJ, but we do group together to defend ourselves from ignorance. Safety is good overall (although Gravois Road is a death-trap). The teachers are great, but the administration leaves something to be desired. It sometimes felt more like a business than a school. Nevertheless, I do love everyone at Cor Jesu, and spent 4 incredible years there. Charger Nation!
Read 155 Reviews

• A+

• 626 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kirkwood Senior High School

• Kirkwood School District, MO
• 9-12
• 252 reviews

Alum: The campus of KHS is absolutely phenomenal. Especially the quality of atheltic fields, gyms, and architecture design being fitting for all students. The teachers and faculty are very considerate of the success for each individual student when I attended until graduation of 2016. Kirkwood implements an outstanding amount of technology and supplies students with iPads (now laptops) being distributed for academics. They really impacted me with school spirit and supplied many different options for courses that fit a vast amount of interests. I am proud to say I attended 4 years at this high school and can call myself a Pioneer!
Read 252 Reviews

• A+

• 1,741 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Wydown Middle School

• School District of Clayton, MO
• 6-8
• 4 reviews

Parent: I'm so impressed with the individualized attention given to each student to ensure they are getting what they need to succeed. Without exception, the teachers have been responsive and proactive. Nothing is perfect however this place is pretty darn close!
Read 4 Reviews

• A+

• 653 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Chaminade College Preparatory School

• Private School
• St. Louis, MO
• 6-12
• 63 reviews

Sophomore: The education is great and the teachers are amazing because they really care about the students; They want to see us succeed. Not only are the teachers great but the on-campus facilities are awesome, there's a place for everybody t do the things they love to the best of their ability. Almost all of the people I know here are competitive and really make me challenge myself to be like them in character. I feel very comfortable inside the Chaminade community and, in short, I wouldn't want to have gotten my high school education anywhere else.
Read 63 Reviews

• A+

• 834 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School

• Private School
• Joplin, MO
• PK, K-12
• 37 reviews

Junior: Students are competitive, and the options for extracurricular activities are very wide for such a small community. The teachers provide a very welcoming environment while helping students reach college readiness. Music and the arts are very high-level and students love to get committed to them. Students here love the annual high school trip, attending sports games, and participating in the musical. The community is the perfect size to be able to have school-wide events such as barbecues and the all-school picnic.
Read 37 Reviews

• A+

• 315 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Notre Dame de Sion School

• Private School
• Kansas City, MO
• PK, K-12
• 110 reviews

Senior: Inside of the classroom, not only do I feel prepared for college, I know that all of the teachers want me to succeed. The coursework pushes you as a student to study harder and put in extra effort to achieve good grades and the resources go beyond books and worksheets. High school school culture is constantly changing with new friend-groups and new teachers every year, but Sion teaches you to embrace change expand your worldview. Sion focuses on the bigger picture without losing smaller details such as safety, delicious food, and clubs! Diversity within the classrooms is important to me and Sion taught me about different faiths, beliefs, cultures in every class. Sion girls are also connected through exchange programs which creates personal connects across oceans! Sion's parents are truly every girls biggest fans and they want each girl to succeed. Overall, Sion is the most well-rounded school where proactive classrooms and a positive environment helps every girl succeed.
Read 110 Reviews

• A+

• 647 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

McKelvey Elementary School

• Parkway School District, MO
• PK, K-5
• 2 reviews

Parent: My third child is now going through McKelvey. It has been an amazing school for all of my children. The best of the best.
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 643 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

North Kirkwood Middle School

• Kirkwood School District, MO
• 6-8

• A+

• 675 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Shenandoah Valley Elementary School

• Parkway School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• A+

• 473 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Parkway West High School

• Parkway School District, MO
• 9-12
• 185 reviews

Alum: The teachers are all very caring and want to see their students succeed. There are many different groups to find friends in and for the most part the students are very welcoming and accepting of different people. The education definitely prepared me for college, as a lot of material felt like review in comparison to my courses here!
Read 185 Reviews

• A+

• 1,345 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio