The College School

7825 Big Bend Boulevard

Webster Groves, MO 63119

21 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 09, 2024

Since my daughter started two years ago in Big Bend, she has been met with a caring, nurturing environment for her to begin school. The natural approach to learning and the wrap around teaching style have given her such a sense of comfort. She has grown so much, and we love all the faculty we have been able to work with.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2024

It's hard to pinpoint what exactly makes TCS so incredible. I think it has to do with the community culture that starts in the classroom. Teachers engage with the students that allows them to be on equal footing. Learning is a partnership, with the expectation that students, teachers, and parent all work together. Teachers encourage students to reach new goals, while providing the support they need to get there. Each student has a unique story, personality, way of learning. I still do not understand how the teachers do it, but they are able to meet each and every kid where they are at. My student comes home with interesting, thought provoking topics, and loves engaging in discussions where he feels his voice matters. To be clear, my middle schooler LOVES to go to school. From my perspective, the academics are rigorous, but being a good human comes first. This is modeled early and often in pre-k and continues in each class. Students are allowed to make mistakes, allowed to experiment, allowed to explore their passions. There are so many things that I have witnessed in the hallways, cafeteria, classrooms that warm my heart. I have seen 3 and 4 year olds show compassion and empathy for a friend's hurt feelings. I have had teachers excitedly tell me about how my student finally mastered a concept, beaming with pride for my child's accomplishment. I have seen upper grade level students make meaningful connections with lower grades and be incredible role models. I have seen students try new things, over come fears, build confidence, and reflect on experiences that were transformative. I've never seen a school like this before. My kids are better humans because they go to TCS.
Submitted by other on February 09, 2024

I’m not sure how a school can provide all the resources a child needs in our current cultural and social environment, but somehow The College School seems to do just that. A warm, friendly space with staff who go the extra mile for each unique child. I’ve watched kids run to hug a teacher goodbye or tell a very very long story to a teacher who’s bent down for better eye contact. I’ve witnessed gentle redirection when a preschooler acts on impulse and a high five to a favorite lunch server.These realtime snapshots bring me joy, not just as a grandparent, but as a community member watching our next generation bloom.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2024

We have had a wonderful and supportive experience at TCS so far (in early childhood). The teachers and staff have been incredible - they nurture the kids, but also create an environment where they feel safe taking risks and growing. Each child is able to be fully themselves - they are supported to become part of the class community without losing what it is that makes them unique. There are 2 main teachers, but the kids also have frequent contact with staff throughout the school (all of whom know each kid by name). Communication with family is terrific, both inviting us to be partners in the kids' learning, and also letting us know if there are any concerns or things to celebrate. It is a warm, friendly, welcoming environment - I feel confident each day dropping off our son that he will be well taken care of and challenged in the best of ways. It is also wonderful to see how much outdoor education and experiences are incorporated into learning, even at a young age. I'm excited to see how the school continues to grow and evolve.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2024

We've been over-the-moon with our child's experience. The atmosphere walking down the hall is so friendly and approachable and the students refer to the teacher by their first names. These little things foster a learning environment where the kids have their guards down. Kids can focus. They can get very engaged. They can ask questions without fear or intimidation. They can learn alongside their teachers. This builds such a foundation in each student for the ability to learn. The outdoor experiences give kids routine exposure to personal challenges and risk taking in a safe environment. I am so happy to know about this place.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2024

I sent my children to this school for 5 years - it was the school we intended for our children to graduate from in eighth grade. Unfortunately upon joining the school community we were sold something that no longer exists there. The administration & HOS have lost more than a dozen teachers who put their heart & soul into experiential education & replaced those teachers w/ a staff that carries no experience &/or knowledge of the type of learning they are selling. The HOS has complete control over the board & runs the show 100% - including putting staff members spouses on it.I would & will tell anyone they’d be crazy to spend tuition dollars on TCS considering the abundance of great schools in our community who take pride in their families, teachers & community.I’d encourage anyone to ask questions, Google the administration (HOS) & steer clear of the mess that is currently TCS.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2023

Something is happening behind the scenes at this school. There is an undercurrent of deep unhappiness. Multiple teachers and families are leaving/have left. It was not the right place for our kids at this time. There are so many independent schools in the St. Louis area with great reputations. The experiential learning model is appealing, but I don’t think this institution is able to execute their mission well at this time.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2021

Rigorous curriculum integrated into a unique, one of a kind in the area outdoor, adventure, and experiential education program. Experienced and dedicated teachers. Great facilities and equipment including outdoor gear and a second campus at the LaBarque conservation area. We love TCS!
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2021

All three of my kids--with completely different learning profiles, strengths, and weaknesses--are thriving here. The faculty respect their ILPs and strive to help them understand without spoon-feeding them the material. Comprehension and problem solving is prioritized over memorization and regurgitation. There is virtually no homework until 4th grade. Students are taught executive functioning skills, perseverance, resiliency, ownership of their own education and mistakes, character education, and how to work in teams and to problem solve. They are dedicated to DEI work and community involvement, have recently hired an amazing Counselor / Director of Diversity & Inclusion, and a new (much improved) Learning Specialist. After trying out Illustrative Mathematics with great success in the Upper Division, they implemented it seamlessly this year into the lower grades. The teachers are very supportive of their students and each other. My kids are very happy here, and the education is so much broader and healthier than at other schools. All children are included in the 4th & 5th grade plays. All 8th graders write and give a graduation speech. The only problem is that the school stops at 8th grade, and my kids have to transition to one of the rote memorization and regurgitation high schools of which there are so many in St. Louis. However, TCS is a feeder school for the best high schools in the area, because the children are so well prepared. When administrators at other schools have asked during high school open houses where my daughter goes to school, the common theme of the response is, "We LOVE having students from The College School. They are so adventurous, creative, and self-confident! They turn kids into great leaders!"
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2021

Have had two kids at TCS and now brought in a third. In an era of pandemic masking and distancing, no better place to bring your kids to get out, explore, adventure and learn. This school is the OG of experiential learning. Others may try to mimic but TCS is engrained in learning through experience and the Reggio approach. Come see what community looks like. And is. This is the real deal. And I am a better parent to my kids and a better steward of the Earth, as a result of my being a part of this engaging school at TCS.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2021

We have two children at The College School and have had a wonderful experience with both of them. One thing I appreciate is the outdoor experiences and trips the kids get to take each year. There is a second campus on several acres with a farm-like feel that classes visit regularly. The teachers are also very engaged and have always been helpful if I've had questions or needed help with the children’s learning. TCS is genuinely a special school, and I know my kids are better people from attending.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2021

The teachers at TCS are AMAZING! Masters at their craft and the support they provide students is exceptional. The school is a community and though no place can be perfect, the growth and experience that my family has had here is very good. Experiential education builds confidence, emotional intelligence and an appreciation for the work around us.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2021

I wish all children could get the educational experience that The College School offers. My child has thrived with in-depth learning in a nurturing environment with teachers who become lifetime mentors. The pandemic was a trying time, but the school became our anchor, and I am pleased with the schools' response, which priorities safety.
Submitted by other on September 17, 2020

There where amazing things about this school, like the opportunities to travel around the states for school trips. Camping, rock climbing, and white water rafting are all things that are neat and cool. However, the absence of emphasizing good education and basic knowledge in not just Math and English, but also in History, Science, the Arts, and Languages was dissatisfying. If they had a better curriculum when I was there that focused on every subject you would learn in high school; it would have been a better experience. The main issue with this school was how they handled bullying, and they handled it very poorly. Also, they should hire teachers who are certified to teach. I hope that the school has gotten better with these things as I think their concept is intriguing and could be a suitable educational pathway. However, for me, I would never enroll a child at this school.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2019

It's been wonderful! We've been here for five years and my child is thriving.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2018

The school needs better administration, more engaged and realistic board, and to double down on its mission. We are questioning whether this will ever happen. This is sad since the mission of the school is amazing and a vast majority of the teachers are awesome.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2018

I cannot recommend the College School. My experience has been terrible for my family.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2017

We have had a wonderful experience with the College School. The teachers are incredible, get to know the students, and work with you on any concern areas. I would have loved to attend a school like this as a child. Not only do students learn the normal subjects, they also learn real life lessons like how to manage money, learn about other cultures and communities, and learn about the outdoors. I wouldn't hesitate to send your student here.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2016

The college school has provided an extraordinary education experience for my kids. The whole child is fully developed throughout the "journey" of the school and each year we are there, I am only more amazed at the curriculum, the staff and the faculty capabilities and the awesome parent community. I would highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2016

Parents at The College School are asked throughout the year to contribute money beyond the (already high) mandatory tuition and fees. Those families who elect not to contribute additional money should not expect to have their concerns taken seriously by school administrators. TCS devotes a disproportionate amount of its resources towards more showy aspects that aid in its marketing efforts, such as outdoor experiential education, and cutting edge technology. Though state and county parks abound throughout the region, TCS spends millions of dollars on its own, private rural property, while its teacher salaries and benefits fall short of those offered by many other independent schools. Some of the faculty are top-notch, but too many teachers at TCS are uncertified. Other teachers and administrators are hired or remain for years in spite of their mediocrity, largely because of their ability to perpetuate the culture and hype of the school’s self-satisfied self-image.