Schools? (Chesterfield, Wildwood, Kirkwood: crime, home, school districts)

[grmngrl8203]

I posted on here before looking for a private school but decided against that now due to behavior issues at home and costs. I am now looking for people opinions on the best public schools and catholic schools? For extra curricular activities, academics, etc. I live in Spanish Lake and am not a fan of the public school by me but I work in Clayton and my boyfriend works in the City. So anywhere in those areas and surrounding would be great! 270, 170, Clayton, Ladue, Hazelwood, STL city. He would be going for kindergarden this year. Thanks!

[johnamus]

Clayton and Ladue are safe desirable areas with excellent schools but housing in the districts is expensive.

Kirkwood and Webster Groves are two inner loop burbs with good schools and desirable housing that is close to your workplaces. I believe Webster Groves is a good district for special needs kids if that is applicable. If you don't mind living in the outer ring burbs then the Parkway and Rockwood school districts are rated among the top districts in the state. Housing and crime stats are appealing in these districts but you'll have to add a few minutes to your commute.

[grmngrl8203]

Thank you for the reply. But we dont need a place to live, just the school. I moved in with my boyfriend who lives in Spanish Lake and then found out about the schools. Not smart of me. But I'm willing to pay the out of district fees for a better school for him. Whereabouts are the Parkway and Rockwood districts?

[johnamus]

If you aren't planning to move then Rockwood would probably be too far of a drive for you. The district is as far south as 44 around Eureka extending to the north through Wildwood and Chesterfield around 40. Part of Fenton is covered as well.

Here's a link to the district map:
http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/visito...t/district.pdf

As far as out of district rates are concerned:

Per-student tuition charges for 2007-08 are $8,000 for elementary and middle school students, $8,700 for high school students and $4,000 for half-day kindergarten. Non resident students also have the option of receiving transportation. The transportation rate for the school year is $592.

Clayton offers an out of district tuition program too, and would probably be a notch above rockwood considering its proximity to your commute. Their fees are $9850 for K-5 and $14,800 for 6-12. Either way you would probably get a better bang for your buck by either going private or moving.

[wustu87]

I know that Ladue Schools used to have a tuition program for anyone who owned property within the district, but I can no longer find it on their website, so they might have stopped it since the district enrollment has been increasing substantially .

Driving your kids from Spanish Lake way out to Parkway or Rockwood schools every day would be a substantial drive. I agree with Johnamus that you should find something closer for your own sanity. If you work in Clayton, Brentwood schools would also be nearby, but I have never heard of them offering a nonresident tuition plan.

[Prple]

Originally Posted by johnamus

If you aren't planning to move then Rockwood would probably be too far of a drive for you. The district is as far south as 44 around Eureka extending to the north through Wildwood and Chesterfield around 40. Part of Fenton is covered as well.

Here's a link to the district map:
http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/visito...t/district.pdf

As far as out of district rates are concerned:

Per-student tuition charges for 2007-08 are $8,000 for elementary and middle school students, $8,700 for high school students and $4,000 for half-day kindergarten. Non resident students also have the option of receiving transportation. The transportation rate for the school year is $592.

Clayton offers an out of district tuition program too, and would probably be a notch above rockwood considering its proximity to your commute. Their fees are $9850 for K-5 and $14,800 for 6-12. Either way you would probably get a better bang for your buck by either going private or moving.

This is good to know. Do you know of any other school district that do this?

[anr_black]

What would probably be your best bet is a local parochial school. Catholic/Lutheran tuition is between 4-6K for non-members at most elementary schools, and about half if you are an attending member at yoru local parish.

[WalnutPark829]

try Christ, Light of the Nations Catholic school. Its located next to Trinity Catholic High School in Spanish Lake. It is prek-8, and I believe it has an all day kindergarten. CLN HOME
http://www.archstl.org/education/ind...per&Itemid=251

[desperad0stl]

Chaminade
MICDS
DeSmet
CBC

[Kanick]

Originally Posted by desperad0stl

Chaminade
MICDS
DeSmet
CBC

Not for a Kindergartner (except MICDS). What about St. Mary Magdalen in Brentwood? It's pretty affordable and they take non-Parishioners. I wouldn't pay tuition for public school, it would be cheaper to just move to the district you want to live in IMO.