St. Louis School opened in 1957 with 312 students, three Dominican sisters, five laypersons and Monsignor Paul Clunan. Since then, St Louis has continued to grow as a place of educational excellence in the East Memphis area. Today, the school serves 505 students from kindergarten through grade 8. In addition to the students, the school boasts of a faculty, many of whom hold advanced degrees in their field, who have an average of fifteen years of experience.

Dedicated to providing a well rounded environment for the students, St. Louis School provides various opportunities for the children. The school has full-time instructors for art, music, foreign language, and physical education. Additionally, fifth through eighth graders are offered the opportunity to take special classes such as current events, creative writing, morality, and Power Point. St. Louis also has a full time guidance counselor. The school also has an extensive athletic program for students in grades 1-8, as well as scouting for students in all grades. The students of the school attend Mass weekly.

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is certified by the State Department of Education. The mission of St. Louis School is to provide a Catholic atmosphere in which an individual, regardless of race or ethnic background, is able to develop spiritually, emotionally, and physically, as well as intellectually.

· Co-educational grades K through 8; 505 students

· Established in 1957 by the Dominican sisters. St. Louis serves the east Memphis community.

· St. Louis is served by a Pastor and three Associate Pastors who support and promote all aspects of student formation.

· Our mission is to provide a Catholic atmosphere in which an individual, regardless of race or ethnic background, is able to develop spiritually, emotionally, and physically, as well as intellectually.

· As a Parish school, we promote the message of God through Daily Mass and Sacraments, we establish community by interaction with other faiths and organizations, and we serve by having numerous projects which help the less fortunate.

· The present faculty is comprised of all lay people. The principal has 30 years of experience at St. Louis School and faculty members average over 15 years of experience. We serve a student population that is 99% Catholic. We are certified not only by the State Department, but also by the Diocese as Catechists for Religious Education instruction in every grade level.

· Professionally, faculty members attend and present workshops on local and state wide levels. We have also established a relationship with Christian Brothers University and the University of Memphis in which future teachers complete many practicums and student teaching requirements at our school.

· Basic curriculum is enhanced by co-curriculars:

· Learning Media Center which is totally computerized.

· Computer Lab with full time teacher that has on line Internet access where students learn many software packages and use the latest services. All classrooms are networked to all software offerings.

· Full time Guidance Counselor, Art, Music, and Physical Education instructors to enable students to develop all their talents.

· Current Events, Creative Writing and Spanish classes each have their own teachers and are part of the 5^th thru 8^th grade curriculum.

· The parents are fundamental to their children's education. We have a very strong and supportive Home and School Association that raises money for the operation of the school. They also provide workers for the cafeteria, take care of transportation of children, and take care of all social events and receptions held by the school. The St. Louis Men's Club sponsors and finances the athletic and scouting programs.

Facilities:

· A newly renovated church and a new parish life facility with parish offices and rooms for a Mother's Day Out Program.

· The school building is composed of 18 classrooms, computer lab, library, foreign language room, music room, art room, gym, two activity rooms, guidance office, cafeteria, and administrative offices.

· The facility sits on 22 acres with five baseball/softball fields, a football field, two soccer fields, and a large playground. Students in grades 1^st thru 8^th enjoy soccer, football, basketball, baseball, golf, softball, and cheerleading.

· A new activities building was just completed. This addition houses two new kindergarten classrooms, an additional gym, a concession area, another large activity room, locker rooms, and a storage area.

In summary, St. Louis School has educated children for 43 years in a loving and nurturing environment. The parish has provided financial support by funding capital expenditures and helping families in need. St. Louis is known in the Memphis community as a volunteer agency that is "always there." The parish family is made up of truly remarkable members who frequently give of their time, talents and treasure in unique ways.

One student, John Skinner, says, "The people are all great, and it offers a high level of education."