When it comes to providing the best education for their children, families in St. Louis, MO, have a wealth of exceptional private schools to choose from. Whether you're looking for rigorous academic programs, strong athletic departments, or a nurturing environment with small class sizes, the city offers diverse institutions catering to various educational philosophies and needs.
As a realtor helping families find their ideal home, John Ryan of The Ryan Tradition understands that choosing the right school is just as crucial as selecting the perfect neighborhood. This guide highlights some of the top private schools in St. Louis to help parents make informed decisions about their children’s education.
Why Choose a Private School in St. Louis?
Additionally, St. Louis private schools provide a range of options, from religiously affiliated schools to prestigious independent academies. These schools often maintain smaller class sizes, ensuring more individualized attention and fostering a close-knit community.
Top Private Schools in St. Louis
1. John Burroughs School
Grades: 7-12
Overview: John Burroughs School consistently ranks among the best private schools in the region. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong emphasis on experiential learning, John Burroughs prepares students for success in higher education and life beyond the classroom. The school boasts a 100% college placement rate and offers a variety of advanced placement (AP) and honors courses. In addition to academics, students benefit from vibrant arts and athletic programs.
Key Features:
- Focus on critical thinking and leadership
- Strong STEM and humanities programs
- Comprehensive college counseling services
2. MICDS (Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School)
Grades: JK-12
Overview: MICDS is one of the premier private schools in St. Louis, providing a coeducational environment with a focus on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated faculty, MICDS offers robust programs in STEM, fine arts, and athletics.
Key Features:
- Emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship
- Diverse extracurricular opportunities
- Excellent athletic facilities and programs
3. Saint Louis Priory School
Grades: 7-12 (Boys)
Overview: Saint Louis Priory School is a Catholic Benedictine school dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth. The school is known for its strong college preparatory program and nurturing environment, helping young men develop into responsible and compassionate leaders.
Key Features:
- Focus on classical education and liberal arts
- Leadership development and service programs
- Robust spiritual life and community engagement
4. Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School
Grades: JK-12 (Girls JK-12, Boys JK-6)
Overview: Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School is a Catholic school rooted in the Sacred Heart tradition. With an emphasis on faith, intellect, service, community, and personal growth, the school offers rigorous academic programs combined with a commitment to social justice.
Key Features:
- All-girls environment for middle and high school
- Leadership and global citizenship initiatives
- Strong arts and language programs
5. Chaminade College Preparatory School
Grades: 6-12 (Boys)
Overview: Chaminade is a Catholic, all-boys school with a focus on academic excellence, faith formation, and character building. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes AP courses, dual-enrollment programs, and diverse extracurricular activities.
Key Features:
- Emphasis on leadership and service
- Strong STEM and arts programs
- Excellent athletics and facilities
6. Whitfield School
Grades: 6-12
Overview: Whitfield School is known for its commitment to character education and academic innovation. The school provides a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to think creatively and develop essential life skills.
Key Features:
- Focus on project-based learning
- Small class sizes and personalized attention
- Robust leadership and community service initiatives
7. The Wilson School
Grades: PK-6
Overview: The Wilson School offers a nurturing environment for young learners, emphasizing foundational academic skills and social-emotional growth. With small class sizes and an engaging curriculum, the school helps children develop a love for learning.
Key Features:
- Strong early childhood education programs
- Focus on creative arts and physical education
- Emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration
How to Choose the Right Private School
1. Academic Programs and Philosophy
2. Extracurricular Opportunities
3. Class Sizes and Student-Teacher Ratios
4. Values and Mission
5. Community and Culture
Partnering with John Ryan for Your Family’s Move
Whether you're relocating to St. Louis or simply looking for a new neighborhood, John is dedicated to making your transition smooth and successful. Let him guide you to the right home near the best educational institutions St. Louis has to offer. You may also search homes for sale in St. Louis today!
Private School Facts to Verify: Tuition, Aid and Admissions Dates
The guide above introduces seven private schools in the St. Louis area. This section adds the details that change every year and that searchers ask about most: published 2026-27 tuition, financial aid, athletics and application dates. Everything below comes from each school’s own website or from published associations, so confirm details with the school before you decide. The Ryan Tradition does not rank or rate schools, and does not recommend or discourage any neighborhood based on its schools. If you are also planning a move, John Ryan can help with St. Louis homes for sale.
The Seven Schools at a Glance
School | Grades | Student body | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
John Burroughs School | 7-12 | Coed | Independent; no religious affiliation |
MICDS (Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School) | JK-12 | Coed | Independent; non-sectarian |
Saint Louis Priory School | 6-12 | Boys | Catholic (Benedictine); independent |
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School | Ages 3 to grade 6 coed; grades 7-12 girls | Coed through grade 6, then girls | Catholic (Sacred Heart); independent |
Chaminade College Preparatory School | 6-12 | Boys | Catholic (Marianist); independent; day and resident |
Whitfield School | 6-12 | Coed | Independent |
The Wilson School | PK-6 | Coed | Independent; non-sectarian |
Sources: school websites; Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL) school listings; National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) school directory. Reviewed October 2026.
Entry points differ. MICDS adds a middle school at grade 5. Chaminade, Priory and Whitfield begin at grade 6. John Burroughs and Villa Duchesne’s girls’ upper school begin at grade 7. The Wilson School ends at grade 6.
Published 2026-27 Tuition and What Schools Say About Aid
School | Published tuition | What the school says about aid |
|---|---|---|
John Burroughs School | $39,810, plus about $1,000 a year for books, athletic gear and fees | Need-based. 25% of students receive aid, and more than $5 million is budgeted for 2026-27. The school says it considers aid only after admission decisions. |
MICDS | JK-4: $28,120 | Need-based. Average 2026-27 awards are $18,500 (JK-4), $19,750 (grades 5-6) and $24,690 (grades 7-12). The school says 529 plans can pay tuition for grades K-12. |
Saint Louis Priory School | Grade 6 (Form A): $26,700 | More than 40% of students receive tuition assistance, and $2.5 million in packages was offered for 2025-26. Households with two or more sons enrolled at once receive a 10% tuition discount. |
Chaminade | Day tuition: $26,520, plus an $850 laptop lease | 62% of students receive some financial support. Over $4.9 million was awarded last year, in grants of $1,000 to $14,000 with a $9,000 average. The school says admittance is based on merit alone. |
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School | Individualized. See the school | Uses Family Individualized Tuition (FIT). The school says over 25% of enrolled households receive individualized tuition. |
Whitfield School | See the school’s tuition page | Need-based aid through the Clarity application, plus merit and character scholarships. The school says funds are limited and the process is competitive. |
The Wilson School | See the school’s tuition page | Tuition assistance is requested through a FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, due with the admission application. The school says admission and aid decisions are made independently. |
Sources: tuition and affordability pages at jburroughs.org, micds.org, priory.org and chaminade-stl.org (2026-27 rates), vdoh.org, whitfieldschool.org and wilsonschool.com, reviewed October 2026. Tuition changes each year and extra fees vary, so confirm with the school.
Posted Aid Deadlines for Fall 2027 Entry
Dates below are the aid and testing dates these schools currently post. Some schools label them with the 2026-27 school year even though they apply to entry in fall 2027.
Date | School | What is due |
|---|---|---|
Oct. 1, 2026 (opened) | Whitfield | Clarity financial aid application opens |
Nov. 1, 2026 | Chaminade | Early aid estimate for new 9th graders |
Nov. 14, 2026 | John Burroughs | School hosts the SSAT |
Nov. 16, 2026 | MICDS | Aid deadline, currently enrolled students |
Dec. 1, 2026 | Whitfield | Aid deadline, current students |
Dec. 11, 2026 | John Burroughs | Aid deadline, returning students and new 9th grade |
Dec. 11, 2026 | MICDS | Aid deadline, new 9th grade applicants |
Dec. 11, 2026 | Whitfield | Aid deadline, new 9th grade applicants |
Dec. 31, 2026 | Chaminade | Aid application, new 9th graders |
Jan. 12, 2027 | John Burroughs | Aid deadline, new 7th grade |
Jan. 12, 2027 | Whitfield | Aid deadline, new grades 6-8 and 10-12 |
Jan. 29, 2027 | MICDS | Aid deadline, all other new applicants |
Jan. 31, 2027 | Chaminade | Aid application, new applicants in all other grades |
Sources: tuition and affordability pages at jburroughs.org, micds.org, chaminade-stl.org and whitfieldschool.org, reviewed October 2026. Priory and Wilson post their own timelines. The National Association of Independent Schools notes that most independent schools’ applications and aid forms are due in January or February, with decisions starting in mid-March.
Athletics: What the Schools Publish
School | What it publishes |
|---|---|
MICDS | 29 interscholastic sports in grades 9-12 and 15 after-school sports in grades 7-8, according to its 2024-25 school profile. |
Whitfield School | 32 athletic teams and more than 30 clubs, organizations and affinity groups, according to its ISSL listing. |
John Burroughs School | The NAIS directory lists baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, field hockey, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, squash, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. |
Saint Louis Priory School | Its ISSL listing says the curriculum requires participation in athletics, fine arts, community service and a senior thesis. |
Sources: MICDS school profile (2024-25); ISSL listings for Whitfield and Priory; NAIS school directory. Teams change from season to season, so ask each school for its current offerings.
MOScholars: A State Program Worth Knowing
What it is
Missouri’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program, created in 2021. The Missouri State Treasurer’s Office says scholarships come from contributions to approved nonprofit organizations, which earn state tax credits, and can offset tuition at eligible schools and other education costs.
Who can apply
A student needs an approved IEP or ISP from the last 36 months, or a household income of no more than 300% of the federal free and reduced lunch threshold plus one more condition. Examples include attending public school full time for a semester in the past 12 months, or being eligible to begin kindergarten or first grade.
Timing
For 2026-27, the Treasurer’s Office listed an application window from Oct. 1, 2025 to April 3, 2026. Watch its MOScholars page for the next window.
Sources: Missouri State Treasurer’s Office, MOScholars FAQs, parent handbook (school year 2026-27) and press releases, reviewed October 2026. Eligibility follows Section 166.700, RSMo. Program rules and funding can change.
Private School Admission and Where You Live
Private schools set their own admission criteria. John Burroughs lists school records, recommendations, an entrance exam and an interview, and Chaminade says admittance is based on merit alone. Several of these schools also report students from dozens of ZIP codes, so a school’s address shows where its campus sits and does not by itself decide who can apply. Compare options directly with each school, and browse St. Louis homes for sale separately on your own timeline.
35
ZIP codes in John Burroughs’ current seventh-grade class
75+
ZIP codes represented at MICDS, per its 2024-25 quick facts
58
ZIP codes where Villa Duchesne’s enrolled households live, per its tuition page
Sources: ISSL listing for John Burroughs School; MICDS quick facts (2024-25); Villa Duchesne tuition page (vdoh.org); Chaminade tuition and affordability page.
Questions to Ask on a School Visit
Sources: the school pages cited above and the ISSL “Care Standards and Key Features” page, reviewed October 2026.
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More Questions About St. Louis Private Schools
Is John Burroughs a Catholic school?
No. John Burroughs describes itself as an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 7-12, and the NAIS school directory lists it with no religious affiliation. Priory, Chaminade and Villa Duchesne are the Catholic schools in the guide above.
Is MICDS a Catholic school?
No. MICDS describes itself as a nonprofit, independent day school for junior kindergarten through grade 12 that offers a non-sectarian education.
Which of these schools are all-boys or all-girls?
Saint Louis Priory School and Chaminade are boys’ schools for grades 6-12. Villa Duchesne’s upper school, grades 7-12, is for girls, with a coed lower school through grade 6. John Burroughs, MICDS, Whitfield and The Wilson School are coed. ISSL’s free school directory lists more schools by type.
How much does private school cost in St. Louis?
Tuition varies by school and grade. Published 2026-27 rates include $26,520 for Chaminade day students, $31,500 for grades 7-12 at Priory, $38,570 for grades 7-12 at MICDS and $39,810 at John Burroughs. Villa Duchesne uses Family Individualized Tuition, and Whitfield and Wilson publish rates on their own pages. Most schools add costs beyond tuition, so ask for a full list.
Are there affordable options or financial aid?
Every school in the guide above offers some form of aid. Schools report that 25% of students receive aid at John Burroughs and 62% receive some financial support at Chaminade, and eligible Missouri students may also qualify for MOScholars. ISSL says many member schools offer need-based aid, scholarships or flexible tuition programs. John Ryan can point you to the schools’ own pages, but aid decisions come only from the schools and the state.
When should I start the application process?
ISSL recommends beginning at least a year before a student would enroll. The National Association of Independent Schools notes that most applications and aid forms are due in January or February, with decisions starting in mid-March. For fall 2027 entry, the aid deadlines these schools post run from Nov. 1, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027.
Does my address decide which private school a student can attend?
Private schools set their own admission criteria. John Burroughs, MICDS and Villa Duchesne each report students from dozens of ZIP codes. If you are also comparing public schools, contact the district directly. When you are ready to look at St. Louis homes for sale, John Ryan can help.
Sources: school websites; NAIS school directory; ISSL; Missouri State Treasurer’s Office. Reviewed October 2026.
Planning a Move to the St. Louis Area?
John Ryan and The Ryan Tradition can help with your home search, from pricing to contracts. School information on this page is for general reference only and is not an endorsement or a recommendation of where to live.
This section is informational, not legal or financial advice, and not a ranking or recommendation of any school. School details, tuition, deadlines and state programs change, so confirm current information directly with each school, ISSL and the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office.
