Concerned parents seek every advantage for their children, hoping to give them an edge in an increasingly competitive, complex world. Independent Schools of St. Louis helps hone that edge. “ISSL is passionate about the merits of independent education,” says executive director Jamie Driver. “Member schools provide unparalleled educational opportunities to St. Louis families, including outstanding teachers with advanced degrees; innovative, value-driven curriculum; low student-to-teacher ratios; a high degree of parental partnership; a safe, disciplined environment; and a unique ability to tailor each student’s education to his or her specific needs.”
The nonprofit professional association, established in 1972, includes 45 independently governed elementary and secondary schools throughout the metropolitan region. “These acclaimed schools for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 focus on excellence over a complete range of educational experiences,” Driver explains. “We have something to suit every family, from traditional day schools to boarding schools and special-needs education. Some are religiously affiliated, others are nondenominational.” Diversity is welcomed and encouraged. “All our schools admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, and all offer needs-based financial aid,” she says.
Member schools offer different approaches, curricula and cultures, but have one important thing in common. “Our financial support doesn’t come from taxes or government allocations, but from tuition-paying families and charitable contributions,” Driver says. “This enables us to respond to, and incorporate, new ideas and programs, and to measure their effectiveness without jumping through government hoops.” ISSL schools are governed by a board of trustees, she adds. “Each school defines its own mission and designs a curriculum and sets academic standards consistent with that mission.”
ISSL schools participate in collaborative outreach efforts, including parental awareness events such as Secondary School Night Oct. 21 at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School. ISSL also offers development opportunities for faculty, administrators and trustees, such as workshops on topics like social development in children and innovative instruction strategies. “One of the most valuable things we do is to create forums for sharing ideas and effectively solving problems in an atmosphere of mutual respect,” Driver says. “And, as a convenience for parents, 12 of our schools use a common admission application and test, which saves time and money.”
Parents invest in an independent education because of the advantages it gives their children, Driver says. “A recent study by the U.S. Department of Education shows that independent school students do more homework, read more and watch less TV than their public school counterparts, and a greater percentage participate in the arts, athletics and extracurricular activities,” she notes. And a good education is pivotal to success later in life. “Our alums enjoy a high acceptance rate to top-tier universities, and many go on to serve their communities and make an outstanding living in high-level jobs,” she says. “Our schools spark a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and help prepare your child for the future. And that’s the most important investment a parent can make.”
Pictured: ISSL Board of Trustees, front row, from left: Mike Vachow, Forsyth School; Rosalie Henry, Visitation Academy; Thad Faulkner, The Wilson School; Debby Watson, Barat Academy. Back row, from left: Fr. Ralph Siefert, Chaminade College Preparatory School; Elizabeth Holekamp, Thomas Jefferson School; Kathy Boyd-Fenger, Logos School; John Delautre, Whitfield School; Anita Chastain, Chesterfield Montessori School; Kara Douglass, The Fulton School at St Albans; Jamie Driver, ISSL. Not pictured: Lisa Lyle, MICDS.
Photo: Bill Barrett
[Independent Schools of St. Louis includes 45 independently governed elementary and secondary schools throughout the metropolitan region. Representatives from member schools will share information and answer questions Oct. 21 during Secondary School Night at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School, 801 S. Spoede Road. For more information, call 314.567.9229 or visit independentschools.org.]
