St. Louis Public Schools

St. Louis Public Schools
Name	St. Louis Public Schools
Type	Public
Established	1838
City	St. Louis
State	Missouri
Country	United States
Superintendent	Dr. Keisha Scarlett
Schools	~68
Students	~19,000
Website	www.slps.org

St. Louis Public Schools. It is the public school district serving the city of St. Louis, operating independently from surrounding county systems like Special School District of St. Louis County. Established in the 19th century, the district has navigated profound demographic shifts, legal battles over desegregation, and significant governance changes. Today, it manages a diverse portfolio of schools and specialized programs aimed at serving its student population.

History

The district was formally established in 1838, evolving alongside the rapid growth of St. Louis as a major hub on the Mississippi River. Key historical developments include the 1865 founding of Sumner High School, recognized as the first high school for African American students west of the Mississippi River. The 20th century was defined by the landmark 1980 desegregation case, Liddell v. Board of Education, St. Louis, which led to a controversial busing program and a magnet school system. Following a period of academic and financial distress, the Missouri State Board of Education assumed oversight in 2007, appointing a Special Administrative Board to govern. This transitional authority lasted until 2023, when full governance was restored to the locally elected Board of Education.

Governance

The district is governed by a seven-member elected Board of Education, which regained full authority in 2023 following the dissolution of the state-appointed Special Administrative Board. The board sets policy, approves budgets, and hires the superintendent, currently Dr. Keisha Scarlett. Operational management falls under the Superintendent of Schools, who oversees the district's administration, including the Department of Academic Services and the Office of Finance. The district also collaborates with entities like Wyman Center and Beyond Housing on community initiatives. Its governance is distinct from neighboring systems such as the Ferguson-Florissant School District and Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District.

Schools and programs

The district operates approximately 68 schools, including comprehensive high schools like Gateway STEM High School and Cleveland NJROTC High School. It features a network of selective-admission magnet schools, such as McKinley Classical Leadership Academy and the St. Louis Language Immersion Schools. Career and technical education is provided through programs at Sumner High School and Vashon High School. Early childhood education is offered at sites like Mullanphy-Botanical Garden Elementary School. The district also charters alternative programs, including the Mason School of Academic & Cultural Literacy, and partners with institutions like the Saint Louis Science Center and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for specialized curricula.

Demographics and enrollment

As of recent data, the district serves approximately 19,000 students. The student body is predominantly African American, with significant populations of white, Hispanic, and multi-racial students. A high percentage of students qualify for the National School Lunch Program, an indicator of economic need. Enrollment has declined from historical peaks in the mid-20th century, reflecting broader patterns of white flight and suburbanization in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The district actively serves diverse communities across neighborhoods such as The Hill, Dutchtown, and Academy.

Finances and facilities

The district's budget is funded through a combination of local property taxes, state aid from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and federal programs like Title I. Financial management has been a persistent challenge, leading to past interventions by the Missouri State Auditor. A significant portion of funds is allocated to maintaining and modernizing its aging infrastructure, which includes historic buildings like Soldan International Studies High School. Recent capital improvements have been supported by voter-approved bond issues. The district also manages resources through partnerships with organizations like the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation.

Academic performance

Academic outcomes are measured by state assessments under the Missouri Assessment Program and federal accountability under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Performance has shown gradual improvement in areas like graduation rates, though the district continues to face challenges in achieving state standards across all schools. Several magnet and choice programs, such as those at Metro Academic and Classical High School, consistently achieve high recognition. The district offers advanced coursework through Advanced Placement programs and dual-credit partnerships with St. Louis Community College and the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Ongoing initiatives focus on literacy, mathematics, and college readiness through collaborations with Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University.

Category:School districts in Missouri Category:Education in St. Louis Category:1838 establishments in Missouri