Most everyone would agree that it’s all about the big picture. As individuals, we each bring our own ideas, strengths and responsibilities to whatever ‘it’ is: our families, school or workplace. At Community School, staff and teachers recognize that every child has something to contribute, and they promote working together to make each student feel valued. Because, in turn, students will make those around them feel the same.
The independent school in Ladue has been a pioneer of unique educational
approaches and hands-on learning for more than 100 years. “Our mission is to create the leaders of tomorrow,” says head of school Bob Cooke. The latest innovative project on campus is a new outdoor tree house, currently under construction, which will be used by all students for a variety of lessons. The motivation behind any idea like this is to solidify a strong community and encourage the intellectual, emotional and creative growth of all students.
“It’s very easy for schools to isolate students by grade level,” Cooke notes. “We encourage students to build deep connections across grades.” The school puts this into action with its family group program. Groups consist of students from each grade who stay together throughout their time at Community School. When a sixth-grader graduates, a new kindergartener joins.
At the beginning of the school year, each family group creates a crest that reflects who they are, depicting ideas, characteristics and activities they find important. They meet throughout the year, completing projects and supporting members in individual pursuits. Older students learn to navigate the complex process of leading a diverse group, and the younger kids benefit from having role models. “It really changes the dynamic,” Cooke says. “During their final year, sixth-graders are much more focused on supporting the entire school than their own experiences at the top of the social order.”
Cooke notes that the school is a community that recognizes the value of nurturing leadership skills. Even 3-year-olds in the nursery school are invited to take on important roles in and out of the classroom. They participate in lunch committee, act as classroom greeters and join the service learning council. “We really believe that when you start early, helping and supporting others becomes second nature,” Cooke explains. “Our students are responsible, caring individuals who know how to both lead and be led.”
This easily can be seen through service learning projects, an important
cornerstone of Community School’s curriculum. All students participate in various initiatives, like gathering gently used clothing, collecting books and making treats for local animal shelters. Fifth-graders also take part in a literacy program at public elementary schools in underserved areas. They perform plays for kindergarteners and first-graders, read stories and give books to each child. “It’s a great way to spread literacy in St. Louis, and it really makes an impact,” Cooke says. “I’ve heard from alumni about how the program changed their approach to helping others.”
As part of their final year, sixth-graders help run weekly assemblies, assist with carpool, raise and lower the flag each day, and more. “They have fun with these tasks, but they also recognize their importance,” Cooke says. “They fully accept their leadership role in caring for others, and it’s something that they carry with them to secondary school and their careers. I’m tremendously impressed by the young men and women who pass through our halls.”
Community School is an independent elementary school and preschool for ages 3 through grade six. It believes in fostering the intellectual, emotional and creative growth of students to encourage their development as leaders of the next generation. Pictured on the cover: Sixth-grade teacher Darci Cadieux and students show off family group crests. For more information, call 314.991.0005 or visit communityschool.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Sixth-grade teacher Darci Cadieux supervises family groups as they create their crests.
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
