For most of my life growing up in St. Louis, March didn’t mean much beyond March Madness and the promise of spring break. The month came and went without much significance.
Now, though, March carries a very different kind of energy. I work in an independent school, and in this world, March means something big: school selection season.
Growing up in St. Louis, I always attended public schools. I knew our city had a strong private school presence, and I had friends who attended private schools, but it was never something my family considered. Public school was simply the path we followed.
After graduating from college, I began my career teaching in public schools. I loved my time in the classroom, but life eventually led me in a different direction. For several years, I stepped away from work to be a stay-at-home mom.
When I returned to education, it was in a Catholic school. It was a wonderful place to work, filled with supportive colleagues and a genuinely caring community for both students and staff. At the Catholic school, high school acceptance letters arrived in January, marking an exciting—and often nerve-wracking—moment for students and families.
Eventually, I found my way to an independent school. Once again, I feel incredibly fortunate. The school community is strong, the families are invested, and my coworkers are passionate about what they do. In the independent school world, acceptance letters arrive in March, which gives this month a new kind of significance.
Having attended public school and worked in public, Catholic, and independent schools, I now realize how unique my perspective is. I’ve had the opportunity to see the different systems that make up St. Louis’s educational landscape. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to education.
St. Louis is incredibly fortunate to have so many schooling options. Public, private, parochial, and independent schools all offer different strengths and experiences. But with that abundance of choice also comes a sense of overwhelm for many families.
My advice to parents is simple: explore the options that spark curiosity or excitement. Visit schools. Ask questions. Think carefully about your child—not just their academic needs, but their social and emotional ones as well.
What works beautifully for one child might not be the right fit for another, even within the same family.
I work at a phenomenal independent school whose mission I wholeheartedly believe in. At the same time, my own children attend a public school. They are receiving a wonderful education and are exactly where they need to be.
Every March, I feel the anxious anticipation that fills the air. I see it in students waiting to hear about their secondary school placements. I hear it in conversations among my son’s friends as they debate whether to stay in public school or move to a private one.
It’s a lot for young kids to process. And it can be a lot for families, too.
But beneath the anxiety is something worth remembering: we live in a community with many paths to a great education. The challenge isn’t finding the perfect path—it’s finding the path that’s right for your child.
