The Creve Coeur Chamber Website

Education

The Creve Coeur – Olivette Chamber’s Education Program serves a variety of important functions, all of which are designed to support the interests and needs of our community. The mission of our Education Program is to bring information to our residents and to our businesses. While the Chamber, as a body, may take positions on various issues, the Chamber’s Education Program does not. Instead, the Education Program serves as an unbiased source of information for all members of our community. Some of the ways in which we fulfill this mission include:

• Public Forums and Debates

One of the most important roles of the Education Program is the hosting of a variety of public forums and debates on topics that impact area residents and businesses. Because the primary objective of these events is to inform and educate, rather than promote an agenda, the Education Program provides an ideal and neutral platform for candid discussion and healthy debate. Some of the subjects covered in forums over recent years have included:

- Public Forum on the Proposed Citywide Economic Development Sales Tax
- Public Forum on the Redevelopment of Downtown Creve Coeur
- Public Forum on the Transportation Development District
- Public Forum on Eminent Domain

• Candidate Forums

The Education Program hosts regular Candidate Forums, which allow residents and chamber members the opportunity to become familiar with the candidates and their platforms prior to important local and statewide elections.

• Business / School Partnerships

The Education Program serves as a bridge between area businesses and area schools. By promoting the collaboration between education and the business community, we are simultaneously enhancing and ensuring the continued economic success of our wonderful community. Some of the ways in which we have worked toward this end in recent years includes:

- The Renaissance Program, which was developed in cooperation with Parkway Northeast Middle School, and provided recognition awards to students with notable achievements.
- The Chamber’s Best Schools Initiative which allows Chamber members an opportunity to tour area schools and share observations and information with other Chamber members through articles on the Chamber website and in the Chamber Business Monthly.

Villa Duchesne Oak Hill School

Ancient oaks, wrought iron gates and stone pillars surrounded by lush vegetation mark the entrance to this St. Louis institution. As you make your way down the winding lane and across the stone bridge, you see what appears to be a stone castle rising from an expansive, rolling lawn – at once stately and stoic. An entrance like this generates a visceral response – a yearning…the kind that dwells deep in the heart of a parent who seeks more than simply an education for one’s child.
There is something about this school - more significant than the massive stones of which it is comprised - that at once draws, invites and embraces a visitor. Perhaps it is the fact that the grounds resonate with a mission. During a tour of the school, your thoughts are confirmed as you learn about the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education:
o a personal and active faith in God

o a deep respect for intellectual values
o a social awareness which impels to action
o the building of community as a Christian value
o personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
Indeed…gut instinct is confirmed…this venerable place is not merely a school. Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School is a spiritual and intellectual center and a community that is home to generations upon generations of devoted St. Louisans.
     The school brochure succinctly describes the vision of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, Foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart, which continues to guide all aspects of the school’s operation: “We work in partnership with parents, who we believe are the single, most powerful influence in a child’s life. Together, we seek to transform each Child of the Sacred Heart in mind, body, and spirit.” This is indeed a place of transformation. It is a place of growth. And it is an anchor for its students, its families, and its alumni, as it connects each of them to the greater family of Sacred Heart institutions that operate in 43 countries around the world.
     Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School (VDOH) is a St. Louis institution that serves boys and girls from age three through grade six, and young women from grades seven through twelve. Centrally located on a 60-acre, wooded campus in the heart of west St. Louis County, the grounds are filled with breathtaking views of nature that inspire students to discover and develop their talents. The campus consists of the 1929 Main Building; the Duchesne Building; Learning Centers; a 500-seat chapel; two libraries and multi-media centers; science, computer, and language labs; five visual arts studios; a performing arts auditorium; a state-of-the-art, outdoor track; an indoor swimming pool; a fitness center and dance studio; two gymnasiums; four playing fields; eight tennis courts; and campus-wide, wireless, internet access.
     The fundamental skills of reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies form the foundation for a solid curriculum at VDOH, which is enhanced by technology, art, music, and physical education. Foreign language instruction begins in junior kindergarten and continues throughout the senior year of high school. And while VDOH is known for its superior quality in academics, its ability to inspire students to embrace their capacity to transform the world, through long established community service projects and activities, is perhaps one of the greatest hallmarks of a VDOH education.
     Should you wish to further explore the value of a Sacred Heart education at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School, please visit the website at www.vdoh.org or contact Mary Stevens, Director of Admissions at 314.810.3446 for more information.

MICDS (Mary Institute Country Day School)

MICDS celebrates its Sesquicentennial this year, hailing 150 years as a giant among giants on the stage of St. Louis’ private education scene. Acclaimed for its rigorous college preparatory education, its highly competitive athletics programs, and its emphasis on character education, MICDS offers its students an academic experience that is second to none.
Situated upon a stately, 100-acre campus in the heart of West County, MICDS was built upon a legacy of commitment toward advancing the intellectual pursuits of young people. MICDS continues that tradition today through the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance learning and prepare its students for success in an increasingly global community. Furthering this objective, MICDS is connected through exchange programs forged with schools around the world, thereby providing its students opportunity for authentic, cultural immersion experiences as they refine skills in one or more of the foreign languages offered at MICDS, including Mandarin, French, Spanish, and German.

     The mission at MICDS is to help its students discover their unique talents and calling, preparing them not only for higher education, but for a life of purpose and service as an engaged citizen in our ever-changing world. More than 70% of the MICDS faculty hold advanced degrees, modeling for students the virtue in lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge. The school’s commitment to professional development supports the faculty in this endeavor, by providing the materials, resources and opportunities needed for continued advancement in their respective fields of expertise.
     The MICDS community reflects a commitment to diversity: students come from a variety of schools - parochial, private and public; 25% identify themselves as students of color; families live in more than 60 different zip codes throughout the greater metro area; 32 different languages are spoken in their homes; and 23% receive need-based financial aid.
     MICDS offers a liberal arts education in a JK-12, co-ed, college preparatory setting. Class sizes are small (average 14-16), creating a spirit of community and intellectual exchange, as well as a dynamic learning environment. Students benefit from the availability of advanced technology including wireless access, Smartboards and laptop computers. Strong student advising in grades 5-12 and college counseling programs in grades 9-12 provide a supportive environment as students work toward academic and personal goals.
     For more information, call MICDS Admissions at 314-995-7367 or visit www.micds.org.

Saint Louis Priory School

Chamber members Dr. Jaime Dodd (Hope Montessori Academies), Lisa Klein (Sylvan Learning), Dylan Levinson (National City), Linda Nissenbaum (St. Louis Community College at Meramec), Tasha Pettis (National City) and Chamber Executive Vice President Nancy Gray met at the historic Switzer House on the campus of Saint Louis Priory School in April. Tom Mulvihill, Director of Admission, served as our tour guide.

Saint Louis Priory School, a faith-centered, Catholic school for boys from grades Seven through Twelve, is situated on a pastoral 150-acre campus in west St. Louis County. Visitors are at once awed by the serene beauty of the campus grounds and the rich history of the school. Priory derives a strong monastic character from its origins as home to the Benedictine Monks of Saint Louis Abbey, a member of the oldest Benedictine congregations dating back to the thirteenth century. Steeped in history and tradition, Priory is patently unique among private schools. Founded in 1955, the rich history of both monastery and school remains evident yet today, as monks represent a full quarter of the school’s present faculty.

Priory offers one of the strongest college preparatory programs in the area, boasting a nationally recognized and accelerated classical curriculum punctuated by an average ACT score over 29. However, not to be discounted, spirituality and athletics are given equal weight with academics at this school. Theology at Priory is based on the Ben

edictine mantra to nourish the mind, body, and spirit, thus promoting development of the whole person. Athletics round out the curriculum, with opportunities for participation in football, track, soccer, basketball, hockey, rugby, wrestling, baseball, golf, tennis, and weight training.

The bricks and mortar of Priory reveal some facts worth noting, as well. The Kevin Kline Theatre, named after the actor who himself was an early graduate of the school, hosts two major theatrical productions each year. Currently in the midst of a $10 million capital project to expand and improve the already impressive fine arts and athletic facilities, Saint Louis Prior School is ever improving buildings and grounds. The jewel and heart of the school however, resides in Abbey Church, where we concluded our tour. This innovative and awe inspiring sanctuary was the creation of world renowned Saint Louis architect, Gyo Obata.
If you would like more information or to schedule a tour of Saint Louis Priory School, please contact Mr. Tom Mulvihill, Director of Admission, at 314.434.3690 ext. 151.

Westminster Christian Academy

Chamber members Lisa Klein (Sylvan Learning), Emily Miller (Logos School), Laurie Nest (Webster University – Westport Campus), Linda Nissenbaum (St. Louis Community College – Meramec) and Chamber Executive Nancy Gray visited Westminster Christian Academy in March. One person on the tour attended the school when it was West Ladue Junior High School and enjoyed seeing familiar surroundings put to new use. Jim Marsh, Head of School, welcomed us before our tour began, and our tour was conducted by the Director of Admissions, Peggy Johnson. She ushered us through the halls and gave us a glimpse of a typical day at Westminster.

Those on the tour were impressed with the extremely polite students and gracious staff and faculty. When one drama student saw us she invited us into the class to watch a rehearsal for a play. Even though a newspaper class was busy working toward a deadline the teacher spent time explaining the process of publishing the paper.

The school has two distinct and completely separate programs – one for middle school and one for high school. Each is on a different floor of the building with separate school entrances and different lunch times in the cafeteria. The only time the students from both programs interact is during chapel.

In 1982, Westminster had 250 students enrolled when the school opened its doors at its present 30-acre location at 10900 Ladue Road, and it has grown to an enrollment of 859 for the 2008-09 academic year. Soccer, football, baseball and softball fields, tennis and basketball courts and a swimming pool give athletes many venues from which to compete.

Westminster Christian Academy takes pride in serving the whole family by offering three different diploma tracks to educate all levels of learners, and 99% of all graduates go to college. It offers an extended learning center to help students with special needs use new learning techniques in a traditional classroom.

For more information on Westminster Christian Academy, please contact Peggy Johnson at 314-997-2900 ext. 119 or visit its website at www.wcastl.org.

Logos School

Chamber members Lisa Klein (Sylvan Learning), Meggan McNulty (Charter Place Apartments), Laurie Nest (Webster University – Westport Campus) and Chamber Executive Nancy Gray enjoyed a tour of Logos School on February 17, 2009. A sense of warmth and nurturing was palpable as we walked the halls of the school and it resonated throughout our interactions with Logos staff and educators, alike. Kathleen Boyd, M.A., N.C.C., the Senior Vice President of Logos School, led the tour and discussion.

The sign at the entrance reads, “Logos Saves Lives.” Logos School is a private, therapeutic, alternative school that serves at-risk middle and high school students. Students enrolled at Logos have, for the most part, been unsuccessful in a traditional school setting. Often, these students require more academic, emotional, and social support than many of their peers – something that Logos School does exceedingly well. As a testament to the school more than 90% of them go on to college. On average, there are 150 students enrolled at Logos, about 30 of whom are in the middle school. An impressive 56 professionals serve the students, which represents a 3 to 1 student to professional ratio.

The Logos school year is divided into six, eight-week terms, creating a year-round learning environment. Logos employs a three part approach to ensuring students’ success, which consists of individualized academics, innovative therapy, and parental involvement. Class size ranges from five to seven students, and one-on-one training is not uncommon. In addition, each student receives one hour of individual therapy and two hours of group therapy each week from one of the 15 licensed therapists practicing at Logos.

Logos School contracts for services in nine school districts throughout Illinois and Missouri, including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Lincoln County. The admission process includes filling out an application, taking a tour of the school, and an in-depth interview and social history of the student and family with the Director of Admissions, Stephanie Kolker, who is a licensed clinical social worker. Great lengths are taken with each student to ensure that Logos is the best place for them to succeed.

For more information on Logos School, please contact Stephanie Kolker at 314-997-7002 ext. 116 or visit Logos on the web at www.logosschool.org.

Parkway Northeast

In the early 1990s Parkway Northeast Middle School (PNMS) made a bold and progressive change in educational instruction. Though it might have appeared a benign event as the “junior high school” became a “middle school for grade six through eight”, the transition was much more than a matter of words. It represented a major philosophical change for NMS and instruction was completely redefined. “Collaboration” became the hallmark for instruction and for learning. Students began to learn in teams and these teams of students reaped the benefit of focused and coordinated academic collaboration by their instructors. It was a dramatic and bold move within the school, and the benefits of it were both swift and clear.