City Public schools aren't generally recommended, though the Soulard neighborhood itself is nice. It has some nice housing stock and (from my understanding) is generally safe.
But there are plenty of good private schools around.
2 BR $825
Beautiful high ceiling wood floor with washer & dryer (broken link)
$1200 2BR at "The Cloisters"
The Cloisters
Cloisters Apartments Ratings, Reviews, Map, Rents, and other St. Louis apartments for rent from ApartmentRatings.com
$850 2 BR, 2 BA
Renovated 2 bd, 1.5 bath in Soulard (broken link)
Just some examples there.