2019 Best Schools in MissouriAbout this List

John Burroughs School

• Private School
• ST. LOUIS, MO
• 7-12
• 51

Alum: I graduated from JBS in 2016. It was a fantastic school! The student body is so diverse; everyone you meet can have wildly different viewpoints, and the students are open and enthusiastic to debate those viewpoints in the classroom and out of the classroom. The academics are tough, challenging and worth it. After graduating with honors and having taken some hard AP classes in high school, coming to college felt like a breeze. Burroughs prepares you so well for higher learning, and it inspired me to stay informed and look around for all different types of perspectives in everything in life.
Read 51 Reviews

• A+

• 610 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Saint Louis Priory School

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• 7-12
• 77

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 77 Reviews

• A+

• 443 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• PK, K-12
• 124

Parent: We have been at MICDS for 6 years and have found that the vast majority of both the teachers in Middle and Upper Schools have been very invested in my children. They make themselves accessible to help when it is needed. Members of school Administration are easy to talk to, accessible and very child centered. The breadth of clubs, organizations and experiences that are available to participate in at MICDS are like no other! The new STEM building, stadium, field and Aquatic Center make our high school campus facilities top of the line!
Read 124 Reviews

• A+

• 1,240 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Clayton High School

• School District of Clayton, MO
• 9-12
• 118

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 118 Reviews

• A+

• 870 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Thomas Jefferson School

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• 7-12
• 25

Alum: I am an alum of Thomas Jefferson School ('03) and still remain involved with the school. Unequivocally, TJ helped shape not only how I think and learn, but also who I am today. The faculty is not only deeply knowledgeable in their content areas, but also takes great joy in working directly with students. The curriculum is extremely rigorous, and I found I needed to get to my junior year of college before the coursework challenged me in a way that I was challenged in high school. Given the small size of the school, it's not for everyone, but anyone looking for an immersive experience that is guaranteed to change a child's life trajectory, consider TJ.
Read 25 Reviews

• A+

• 85 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Louis University High School

• Private School
• St. Louis, MO
• 9-12
• 162

Senior: Coming into SLUH was a very large change for me, especially socially. Going from a small school to such a large environment truly changed my world and involved a very hard transition. However, between the various activities and the many helpful teachers I was able to become better adjusted. Beyond the my first year, I've had a very enlightening time at SLUH due to the many resources and opportunities at disposal. I've been involved in multiple clubs and trips and gotten to do and see things I never would have imagined to get out of a high school experience. Academics are very rigorous and truly can push you to your limit, but there is also typically easier options as well. I've had many great teachers and although there some were a lot more lacking(that is, for my learning style), some of my favorite learning experiences have happened at this school. It feels extremely rewarding to do well in a class.
Read 162 Reviews

• A+

• 1,050 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Pembroke Hill School

• Private School
• Kansas City, MO
• PK, K-12
• 63

Senior: Pembroke Hill is a great place to go to school! The community is small so you get close with teachers and students. Everyone is always willing to help you and never judges you. The academic stress can get high, and it is defiantly not a relaxed environment, but you will receive a great education. The college counseling isn't the best. We pride our selves on being a college prep school, however, we don't get a college consoler until junior year. That would be my only complaint with my school!
Read 63 Reviews

• A+

• 1,113 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Barstow School

• Private School
• Kansas City, MO
• PK, K-12
• 26

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 26 Reviews

• A+

• 710 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Whitfield School

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• 6-12
• 14

Parent: Sweeeeet and studious kids! Very inclusive, yet competitive and achievement-oriented. Great college prep!
Read 14 Reviews

• A+

• 440 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lafayette High School

• Rockwood R-VI School District, MO
• 9-12
• 264

Alum: Academics can be excellent, plenty of opportunities for any kid and any interest-
If your son is into sports- I’d give careful consideration. Football is mediocre, wrestling program is top notch, basketball for boys mediocre, volleyball for boys average- Baseball pathetic. The Varsity team rarely practices and the head coach is awful! All the talent in the World and he simply doesn’t care. They play about 2/3rds the games of most any other school or less. If Lafayette hired a head Coach that cared at all - I would give 5 stars. Really sad- if Baseball is important to your son, evaluate your options.
Read 264 Reviews

• A+

• 1,874 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rockhurst High School

• Private School
• Kansas City, MO
• 9-12
• 118

Alum: I loved Rockhurst High School because it allowed me to concentrate on growing up with only young men around me which was super comfortable because I didn't feel any pressure to be someone I wasn't just because there was a girl over there. It also gave me opportunity to be part of a brotherhood with 1000 other men. For me another extremely big advantage was the then-amazing swim team I was able to be a part of and also the quickly growing and improving music program that I've grown to loving so much, forming one of my passions in life.
Read 118 Reviews

• A+

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

Kirkwood Senior High School

• Kirkwood School District, MO
• 9-12
• 240

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 240 Reviews

• A+

• 1,779 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Chaminade College Preparatory School

• Private School
• St. Louis, MO
• 6-12
• 59

Parent: I think my mother summed it up "I've never seen (son) so happy". Chaminade has been a wonderful community for our middle school son. The teachers and staff genuinely seem to like boys and want to be there to help educate them. The experiential trips have been life-changing (6th graders go to the Grand Tetons). The academics are strong with a mixed use of physical handwriting and laptop computers. The sports programs are strong as far as sportsmanship and coaching. The House System makes each student feel like they are a part of something 'bigger' - building community and support while the kids have fun. Friends have college students who went through here and couldn't say enough about the great foundation and preparation the school gave their sons.
Read 59 Reviews

• A+

• 834 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Visitation Academy

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• PK, K-12
• 128

Parent: I'm rating Viz from the perspective of a parent. I've watched my daughter grow and mature there. The curriculum is academically rigorous, which supports its reputation as the best girls school in St. Louis and one of the best overall. I've also seen my daughter make deep connections with her friends at school. She participates in activities such as student government, sports, and theatre and is growing into a well-rounded individual. The teachers are top notch and supportive of the students and the parents. I can't say enough good things about my daughter's Viz experience.
Read 128 Reviews

• A+

• 548 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ladue Horton Watkins High School

• Ladue School District, MO
• 9-12
• 192

Junior: Ladue Horton Watkins High School really is a great place. The students here are hardworking, diverse, friendly, and accepting. The curriculum is difficult, although plenty of students at Ladue take multiple AP classes throughout their high school career (I know several kids who are taking 9-10 by the end of their senior year.) My only issue is that although the kids here are nice, they can be a bit cliquey, so it's best to establish a friend group as soon as possible. Other than that, Ladue Horton Watkins High School is a great school!
Read 192 Reviews

• A+

• 1,301 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Marquette Senior High School

• Rockwood R-VI School District, MO
• 9-12
• 393

Senior: The teachers there are very knowledgeable in their area of expertise and strive to bring out every student's potential. Furthermore, there are a plethora of activities to choose from, ranging from cooking to robotics!
Read 393 Reviews

• A+

• 2,223 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Columbia Independent School

• Private School
• Columbia, MO
• PK, K-12
• 23

Junior: Columbia Independent School is very rigorous and academically challenging, and I am beginning to feel like there is sometimes too much focus on academic success over a student's well being. For me, this had not been a problem until this/my junior year. But also, junior year has been known to be a rough one. Otherwise, CIS is an excellent school with teachers who are interested in more than just your academics. They strive to get to know you and put in the time and effort in order to see you succeed. I have been at CIS for almost 12 years now and would not want to have gone anywhere else. Columbia Independent School has set me up for great success in college and beyond!
Read 23 Reviews

• A+

• 325 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cor Jesu Academy

• Private School
• Saint Louis, MO
• 9-12
• 145

Alum: Cor Jesu definitely prepared me for college. It taught me that school takes a lot of hard work and passion to see results. The teachers at Cor Jesu are amazing. They're my favorite part of the school. They don't talk down to you, they really want the best for you, and they know how to make learning fun. Cor Jesu is definitely requires a lot of work from their students with the harsh curriculum, but it's in the student's best interest!
Read 145 Reviews

• A+

• 626 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Wydown Middle School

• School District of Clayton, MO
• 6-8
• 3

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 3 Reviews

• A+

• 648 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Notre Dame de Sion School

• Private School
• Kansas City, MO
• PK, K-12
• 97

Sophomore: This school is incredible. Coming from a co-ed public school to an all girls Catholic high school where I didn't know anyone was terrifying as a freshman, but after the first two weeks I knew it was where I belonged. Every single person there is kind, no matter your grade, and no one is judged or bullied. I learn about the world outside of my own bubble, whether it's through my class about non-Catholic faiths, AP World History and American History and Government, or even through Social Awareness club. Academics are rigorous but I have never once felt overwhelmed because the faculty is passionate about their student's success and the counseling staff makes sure you choose classes that are a fit for you. Student are pushed to think about college and their resumes all four years, and it's the reason that I've been accepted into so many incredible schools outside of the Midwest. I love Sion and I love the student body. Vive Sion!
Read 97 Reviews

• A+

• 647 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Parkway Central High School

• Parkway C-II School District, MO
• 9-12
• 127

Junior: I have had a very good time at Parkway Central High. Most teachers and staff are extremely helpful and will answer any questions students may have. My favorite thing would probably have to be how well they prepare you for college at Parkway Central. They have a myriad of AP courses available for the average student to take and they’re all very accessible and easy to get into. The classes are very challenging and have been preparing me extremely well for college. I can’t wait to see how my experiences here might resonate with the ones I have at college!
Read 127 Reviews

• A+

• 1,260 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

McKelvey Elementary School

• Parkway C-II School District, MO
• PK, K-5
• 2

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+

• 584 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Greenwood Laboratory School

• Private School
• Springfield, MO
• K-12
• 28

Alum: Greenwood is a small private school with a hardworking and driven student body. Academics are fairly rigorous, and while sports culture is weak in comparison to larger schools, there seems to be high involvement in athletics despite the school's smaller numbers. The high school counselor, who has a great bond with all of the students, enhances school spirit and overall involvement in activities. It is very easy to create bonds with your teachers and have one-to-one learning opportunities due to the small class sizes, which I think is a factor behind the school's general academic success. Adjusting as a new student is easy, as most people are quite welcoming. Most students at Greenwood have known each other since kindergarten which creates very tight-knit classes, and thus a comfortable environment to be in, even as a newer student like myself. Overall, my experience at Greenwood was a positive one--I made good friends, close bonds with teachers and feel fairly prepared for college.
Read 28 Reviews

• A+

• 375 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

George R. Robinson Elementary School

• Kirkwood School District, MO
• K-5

• A+

• 491 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

North Glendale Elementary School

• Kirkwood School District, MO
• K-5

• A+

• 586 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio