Perfect ACT scores, national merit scholars, valedictorians and class presidents are not uncommon among the ranks of Kirk Day School alumni, says new head of school Taylor Clement. “It’s exciting to know that what we do here works,” he says of the West County elementary school. “We’re seeing kids have a desire and striving for something greater, and they’re experiencing those successes.” The independent Christian elementary school for students in preschool through sixth grade ranks in the top 10 percent of Christian educational institutions in America, according to Christian Schools International. Many of its students go on to prestigious college preparatory high schools.
Clement began his role as head of school this spring after ascending to school leadership roles in Nashville. He has taught high school history and served as dean of students and as assistant head of an elementary school that he describes as similar in values and mission to Kirk. It’s been a good fit, he says. “Kirk Day School has a phenomenal foundation in its curriculum and teachers. The traditions here are absolutely solid, and it’s poised well to grow in the future. I’m excited to be able to be a part of that.”
To keep curriculum standards high, the school thoroughly reviews one subject each year. Under special consideration this year is the language arts curriculum. “Everything we do here is purposeful and intentional to get children the best education possible,” Clement says. “For a whole school year, we take time to study and examine our current method of presenting a subject. We examine new methods, too, and determine what’s best. We continue with something only if we know it’s the best approach out there. If it’s not, we’re going to find something new and implement it.”
One current goal is to teach kids to be tech savvy but not tech dependent. Teachers have access to iPads and laptops, and most classrooms are outfitted with smartboards and interactive projectors. “We’re teaching kids how to be good digital citizens,” Clement says. “Our No. 1 goal is to make sure our kids are getting a solid education, but now we can hybrid that with allowing them to use technology as a tool and resource, but not as a crutch.”
It’s not just high-level academics that set the school apart. The bedrock of its curriculum is its Christian values, Clement says. “Our hope is not only to inspire graduates to excel academically, but also to engage the world for Christ, and we teach through a Christian worldview. Everything we’re doing with them is pointing them to God and having a greater desire to know God. We want each child to feel known and loved and safe. When they’re emotionally safe and sound, we can begin to expand their minds.”
The school is serious about academics and imparting its Christian values, but it’s also a fun place, Clement says. “We’re doing a great job of providing the rigorous academics parents expect from a private institution, but we’re also balancing that with a lot of fun. When children step into the school, they get the complete experience.”
[Kirk Day School is an independent Christian elementary school for students in preschool through sixth grade located at 12928 Ladue Road. Pictured on the cover: Head of School Taylor Clement. For more information, call 314.434.4349 or visit kirkdayschool.org.]
Cover design by Jon Fogel | Photos courtesy of Kirk Day School
