University City -- what schools? (St. Louis, Kirkwood: for sale, real estate, condos)

[3colokids]

Good morning: There is a possibility we will be relocating from the Denver area. I have looked around on some real estae websites and have a real estate agent sending me new listings. I first thought we would look in Webster Groves or Kirkwood area but what I really love are the old brick houses in University City and there were quite a few in our price range. I also like the proximity to downtown since my husband would be commuting there and I like the idea of being near all the city has to offer. But after checking greatschools.net it looks as if the schools there are not so good. We have two elementary school children and one in 7th grade. Our budget is $400 to $500k -- the lower end obviously would be better. I was wondering where people who live in those beautiful homes in University City send their kids to school? Do they all do private or are there special magnet programs I don't know about? My kids probably would all test into gifted programs as they have in the past. Thanks.

[aragx6]

You're right - the schools aren't great. Most people who live there send their kids to private schools, there is a plethora of them in the area. I would say most send their kids to a Catholic school, but there are other options. As far as magnets - does anyone know if the OP can send kids to the magnets in the city while living in the county? I'm not sure.

[TGS]

The Flynn Park elementary school serving the neighborhoods south of Delmar is considered a great school. The other elementary schools for the neighborhoods north of Delmar are also good, but are mostly minority schools and are generally shunned by the white middle class parents living in the neighborhoods. This is real shame, especially for the Jackson Park and Delmar Harvard elementary schools, which are located in great neighborhoods, and have good programs and test scores.

Once the kids get to middle and high school, there is a dual system. Most of the kids from the wealthy families will go into the honors programs. The kids in the regular programs are mostly middle or working-class minority. There has been some racial tension because of this. Some white students in the district graduating from the elementary schools will either go into the honors program or leave for private schools. This is a pretty clear case of white flight (at least in the schools, not the neighborhoods), since the schools are safe, beautiful, and well-run. This is not an inner-city ghetto school.

The students in the University City school district are not eligible for the city magnet schools. Since UCity schools already have a majority of minority students in their district, they are not eligible to participate in the desegregation program.

If you love the brick homes in UCity, then you should also check out similar homes in St. Louis City. Your kids would be eligible for the magnet and charter programs. There are also a number of great private schools. It might be cheaper to buy a place in the city and pay for private school then to buy a similar place in UCity. There are many well-regarded Catholic schools that are inexpensive.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

From what I've heard, I would suggest a private school if you could afford it. There are also beautiful homes inside the city, although I'm not really sure where the city/county boundary line is.
How much are you looking to spend? You could probably get a decent, beautiful house in the city for a decent price. How many bedrooms?
If you want to stay in University City I would recommend private schools, but I don't know much about it.

[kirkwoodginger]

If you don't want to send your kids to private schools than you likely should look outside of U-City. The school district leaves much to be desired. St. Louis City is going to present the same problems as the public schools are way below standards (they were taken over by the state last year). It's a shame cause the city has really been growing but the school system prevents many families from moving in.

Catholic schools are huge in St. Louis and that is where a lot of folks in the City send their kids. If you are only looking at public than I would consider Webster, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Ladue and Clayton (very expensive) as the top picks. You can also go out west but the homes are more "subdivision" like and it doesn't sound like that's what yo are looking for.

It's pretty often that I run across folks from U-City looking in Webster or Kirkwood around the time their kids hit school age. They are usually making a move for the school district. I guess they were originally drawn to the charm of the area but as their kids start to grow they pay more attention to schools.

I have lots of information on St.Louis area school districts if you are interested. I'd be happy to send some to you if you email me. Visit my web site at websterkirkwood .com Webster Groves MO Real Estate | Kirkwood MO Real Estate | Condos - Homes for Sale | MLS Listings and click on the contact link if you want more info.

I realize you are already corresponding with another realtor and that's fine. I'm just a huge fan of Webster and Kirkwood and always happy to help.

Good luck in your search. I realize it can be hard to know what area is best for you when you are coming from another state. Spend some time in St. Louis and you'll quickly start to learn what feels most like home to you.

[Ellen Bern]

I have two boys that have attended U. City schools since Kindergarten. My oldest is in 11th grade and my younger son is in 8th grade. Both boys attended Jackson Park Elementary School and both were in the Gifted and Talented program. On the whole, we have had very positive experiences in the U. City schools. My 11th grader scores at the top of any standardized tests. He is in the process of qualifiying for the National Merit Scholar program, as are several of his peers. His course load this year includes 4 Advanced Placement classes that are all taught by excellent teachers. We are considering a variety of top universities for his college options, and I am confident that he will be successful at any of them. Being a minority white kid in a majority African-American school district is an interesting and life changing experience. Many of our UCHS graduates, who are attending colleges all over the country, report back that they are very well prepared both academically and socially for college.
I hope that when you come to the St. Louis area to look for homes that you spend a little time visiting our schools, such as Flynn Park or Jackson Park Elementary Schools, and see for yourself. Ask for the phone numbers of parents that you can contact and talk to. Frankly, many times the negative reports about our school district comes from folks who haven't ever stepped inside any of our schools. I invite you to investigate it yourself.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Ellen Bern

Frankly, many times the negative reports about our school district comes from folks who haven't ever stepped inside any of our schools.

There is an awful lot of truth to that.

[sheltondm]

I have children in three of the schools, Jackson Park is an excellent school and is nationally accreddited your elementary students will love it there. The middle and high school are allright and as some one else mentioned those that are critical never stepped foot in any of the schools.

[stepka]

As far as magnets - does anyone know if the OP can send kids to the magnets in the city while living in the county? I'm not sure.

I was just reading the brochure yesterday, and county people can send their kids to the magnet schools, but city people get first priority.

[wustu87]

Note that the Clayton schools have a tuition program where you can pay $9,500 for K-5 and $14K for 6-12 which is actually a bargain compared to the top tier private schools. Some U City residents, especially ones nearer Clayton, pick that option as well.