The most nerve-racking part of a spelling bee isn’t always spelling the word — it’s the silence that follows. On Friday, December 12, that pause filled the City Academy gym again and again as students stepped back from the microphone, waiting to hear either “That is correct” or the ding of the bell, indicating an […]
Student Council at City Academy provides students with a meaningful opportunity to step into leadership, represent their peers, and help shape school life. Each spring, students in upper elementary grades are invited to apply for Student Council, and interest continues to grow. Last year, 45 out of 78 students in grades 3–5 applied. From that […]
The gears begin to grind the moment 5th and 6th Grade Science Teacher Erik Taylor calls out, “Three, two, one — go!” Across two wooden arenas, each containing a black circle roughly 30 inches in diameter, a student from each team taps the start button on an iPad software program, launching a carefully programmed sequence […]
You’ve no doubt heard of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — but have you heard of City Academy’s? Though our scholars did not march through the streets of New York City, they brought just as much flair and excitement to our hallways. Inspired by the book Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet, Kindergarten STEAM Teacher […]
Supervision Activities Students in Supervision will be able to choose between activities such as Homework Hall, Board Games, Outdoor Fun, Gym Play, Karaoke, and Movie Fridays (parents do NOT need to register for these choices). In addition, students in Supervision can register to participate in one of City Academy’s “premiere” after school programs, depending on […]
The roar of the crowd echoed through Busch Stadium on Labor Day, September 1, 2025, as City Academy’s 4th-6th grade students proudly stepped onto the field. Forty members of our choir and violin ensemble, after six months of dedicated preparation, came together to deliver a moving rendition of “God Bless America.” What began with two […]
Supervision Activities Students in Supervision will be able to choose between activities such as Homework Hall, Board Games, Outdoor Fun, Gym Play, Karaoke, and Movie Fridays (parents do NOT need to register for these choices). In addition, students in Supervision can register to participate in one of City Academy’s “premiere” after school programs, depending on […]
For the past two summers, City Academy has welcomed two standout interns through the Pershing Fellowship in Nonprofit Leadership. Established in 2023 with the support of Pershing Charitable Trust, the paid summer internship program places undergraduate students from Harris-Stowe State University, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri–St. Louis, and Washington University in St. Louis with […]
City Academy 2018 Mary Institute and Country Day School 2024 Loyola University Chicago 2028 Every morning, Chloe Martin is up at 6:45 a.m. with a clear thought in mind: “I want to be a doctor. Dr. Martin. It just gets me out of bed.” Chloe’s drive traces back to City Academy, where she started in […]
City Academy 2020 Cardinal Ritter High School 2026 Jerone Boggs, a senior at Cardinal Ritter College Prep, has his sights set on a future in architecture. A 2020 graduate of City Academy, Jerone traces his passion for the field back to his childhood. “I always liked to draw when I was a kid,” he said. […]
City Academy 2021 Greater Atlanta Christian School 2027 Tyler Younger’s life took an unexpected turn when his mother accepted a new job opportunity in Atlanta. The move meant leaving City Academy halfway through his fifth-grade year — or so he thought. Due to the shift to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyler was able […]
One year ago, Zac Warr was wrapping up an internship in City Academy’s Communications Department, designing posters and rediscovering the school that shaped him as a child. He imagined his next step might be in marketing or strategic communications. Then, just as his internship was ending, the art teacher role opened. The timing felt serendipitous. […]
Last year, City Academy students in grades third through sixth laced up their sneakers and represented the school on the basketball court, marking a big step forward for a program still in its early stages. Under the leadership of PE Teacher and Head Coach KJ Hubbard, the team brought energy, discipline, and joy to every […]
On May 16, 2025, a tornado tore through neighborhoods just south of City Academy. Families lost homes and businesses were destroyed. While City Academy’s campus was fortunate to narrowly avoid the storm’s direct path, many of our neighbors were not. For fourth grader Frankie Rask, the devastation hit close to home. On the day of […]
Last year, City Academy students read more than 87 million words, pulling titles from a library of 10,691 books. Among them was fourth grader Arlo, who finished nearly 2 million words on his own. For him, the joy is simple: “I just like the excitement of checking out books, especially if it’s a new series […]
The cafeteria at City Academy looked a little different one morning last spring. With crisp black tablecloths, live violin music provided by Violin Teacher Laura Reycraft, and parent volunteers dressed as waitstaff, it was transformed into “Café City” — an upscale dining experience designed to teach kindergartners and sixth graders lessons in etiquette, financial literacy, […]
Supervision Activities Students in Supervision will be able to choose between activities such as Homework Hall, Board Games, Outdoor Fun, Gym Play, Karaoke, and Movie Fridays (parents do NOT need to register for these choices). In addition, students in Supervision can participate in one of City Academy’s “premiere” after school programs, depending on their grade […]
Supervision Activities Students in Supervision will be able to choose between activities such as Homework Hall, Board Games, Outdoor Fun, Gym Play, Karaoke, and Movie Fridays (parents do NOT need to register for these choices). In addition, students in Supervision can register to participate in one of City Academy’s “premiere” after school programs, depending on […]
Funding to strengthen and advance the North St. Louis school’s STEAM initiative City Academy announced today it received a grant of $40,000 from Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S. The grant will be used towards building a better future by providing students with opportunities to understand how classroom learning will translate […]
Akberet Boykin Farr Brings a New Lens to Board Leadership When Akberet Boykin Farr stepped into her role as Board Chair at City Academy, she made an unusual request: the 6th grade reading list. Boykin Farr then introduced a unique tradition of opening each meeting with a quote from a book on the list. “I […]
This year’s Brightman Award was presented to Ayomide Ajakaiye, CA ‘19, a John Burroughs School senior headed to Columbia University. The award honors a City Academy alumni who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to giving back. Ayomide has done all that and more — from leading a regional Model UN conference to interning […]
It was a slam dunk reading year for City Academy’s 1st graders, who combined the excitement of March Madness with a record-breaking milestone — one million words read! Students participated in the March Madness fun with a “Book Bracket” led by Humanities Teacher Celest Wilson. Sixteen books were read aloud throughout the week, with a […]
By Liesl Schnuck, Director of Teaching and Learning At City Academy, we take pride in “Raising the Bar” to ensure our students are not only academically successful but also prepared to engage meaningfully with the world. This year, one of the most impactful ways we are elevating learning is through Capstone Projects. These projects are […]
Supervision Activities Students in Supervision will be able to choose between activities such as Homework Hall, Board Games, Outdoor Fun, Gym Play, Karaoke, and Movie Fridays (parents do NOT need to register for these choices). In addition, students in Supervision can register to participate in one of City Academy’s “premiere” after school programs, depending on […]
At City Academy, the 5th and 6th Grade Capstone Project challenges students to think like engineers, combining rocketry, landers, and rovers into a multi-phase, hands-on experience. Students design, build, and test paper rockets using an air compression launcher, construct landers from recycled materials to protect a payload, and program LEGO EV3 robotic rovers to simulate […]
Supervision Activities Students in Supervision will be able to choose between activities such as Homework Hall, Board Games, Outdoor Fun, Gym Play, Karaoke, and Movie Fridays (parents do NOT need to register for these choices). In addition, students in Supervision can register to participate in one of City Academy’s “premiere” after school programs, depending on […]
VJ White, a sophomore at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS), reflects on his journey from City Academy with gratitude. Starting at City Academy in second grade, VJ credits the school with preparing him well for secondary education, particularly in writing and reading,“I really enjoyed my experience,” he shared. “It helped me […]
For someone used to going fast as a track star at The Ohio State University and John Burroughs School, waiting weeks on end to receive the results from the Texas Bar Exam is a lot more stressful for Lailah Elliott. But you won’t find her waiting on the sidelines – Elliott recently started her legal […]
Central to City Academy’s mission of empowering students through exceptional education are our dedicated teachers, who guide each student on their unique journey. Each May, during Teacher Appreciation Week, our City Academy families generously provide lunch, snacks, and kind words. This year, our administration team added some special touches. First, we displayed a digital billboard […]
The rumors of a “Secret Song” to close out the Spring Recital spread throughout City Academy’s gym last May, but the actual performance was unlike anything that has been performed in City Academy’s 25-year history. Emerging from behind the curtain in different colored shirts to represent their grade level, City Academy’s first Step Team performed […]
During Ayomide Ajakaiye’s 5th grade year at City Academy, her Language Arts teacher required each student to read at least one book from every region in the world. While Ayomide’s distinctly remembers her favorite book choice being “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, she thinks the early exposure to other cultures may have had a […]
This past year, our 2nd graders embarked on a journey to understand the Civil Rights Movement through a project that brought history to life via the voices and stories of their own families. Coordinated by 2nd Grade Humanities Teacher Laurianne Zink, the project was more than just part of the Wit & Wisdom 2nd grade […]
If you come looking for Jen Glassmeyer or David Maia around the City Academy campus during the school year, you will probably want to make an appointment. As Director of Alumni and Community Partnerships and Assistant Director of Alumni Partnerships, respectively, they spend their days crisscrossing St. Louis to meet with 107 City Academy alumni […]
In the ever-evolving world of education, finding creative ways to engage students is more critical than ever. At City Academy, the Sheldon SOLID Project stands out as a prime example of how innovative learning can make STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) not only accessible but also exciting for our young scholars. Last year, […]
To register for 2nd Quarter Extended Day, visit this LINK. Deadline is Friday, October 18. Supervision Activities Students in Supervision will be able to choose between activities such as Homework Hall, Board Games, Outdoor Fun, Gym Play, Karaoke, and Movie Fridays (parents do NOT need to register for these choices). In addition, students in Supervision […]
City Academy’s Friends Board consists of passionate supporters of City Academy who are dedicated to spreading the word about our mission through volunteerism and fundraising, including hosting Trivia Night each year. As they start a new year, please see an excerpt from a letter by new Friends Board Chair, Allie Beath. One of the things […]
By Kira Radichel, Pershing Charitable Trust Summer Fellow Before this internship, I had never heard of City Academy. So finding out I would be placed there for the summer was really exciting. As the first Pershing Fellow at City Academy I had no insight as to what this experience would be. Normally, new experiences make […]
Supervision Activities Students in Supervision will be able to choose between activities such as Homework Hall, Board Games, Outdoor Fun, Gym Play, Karaoke, and Movie Fridays (parents do NOT need to register for these choices). In addition, students in Supervision can register to participate in one of City Academy’s “premiere” after school programs, depending on […]
Donation to benefit school’s STEAM Program City Academy announced today it received a grant for $40,000 from Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S. This grant will be used towards building a better future by providing City Academy students with opportunities to understand how classroom learning will translate into real world situations […]
The Wax Museum project at City Academy has become a staple of the third-grade experience, combining history, research, and presentation skills in a unique and engaging way. When Erin Laurentius took over as the third-grade teacher, she inherited this project from Lindsey Pearson, who had led it during her student teaching days in 2016. Laurentius […]
Stephanie Dooley has been a welcoming presence at City Academy since she joined the school in 2012. As the Director of Enrollment Management and Placement, Ms. Dooley plays a vital role in both welcoming new families and guiding them through their transition to secondary schools. Her impact on the City Academy community is profound, serving […]
At our 2024 Graduation Ceremony, many of our alumni filled out “Words of Wisdom” cards for the Class of 2024 in the alumni lounge. Our alumni team then assembled these into a paper quilt that was on display during our 6th grade transition dinner, during which our graduates and their parents joined alumni and alumni […]
As part of our 2024 Annual Luncheon, City Academy guests, 5th and 6th grade students, and faculty and staff worked together at their tables to form a book character based on a watch. Groups had 10 minutes to write an introduction for their character after thinking through questions such as: What is my character’s occupation? […]
Fourth Extended Day Activities Registration is OPEN! Activities start week of April 1. Registration will take place entirely online through GOOGLE FORMS. As always, slots for each activity are limited. You will be asked to rank the choices for your child. Please be sure to read the details of each activity below to make sure you child is eligible for the […]
As the autumn leaves began to turn and the evenings grew darker and colder, friends of City Academy gathered on the school’s campus in North St. Louis, to celebrate a quarter-century of transforming lives through exceptional education and bold expectations. The night’s theme was “Navigating Bright Futures” and guests began their journey with a short […]
On September 1, 2023, we rang the same school bell that was used on our first day of school 25 years ago (I had a little help this year from Kobie and Sebastian, who were also celebrating birthdays!). Every year, this bell has marked a beginning: a kick off of the academic year; a start […]
Marshall Strawbridge’s most vivid early memory of his time at City Academy was attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new building when he was in Kindergarten and later touring the new building and being in awe of how much space there was compared to the school’s previous home at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club. “It […]
As a proud alumna of both City Academy and LEAD STL, Stephanie Briggs embodies the principles of leadership, empowerment, advocacy, and determination. Her role as Director of External Partnership at LEAD STL highlights her dedication to leveraging partnerships and resources to maximize the impact of the organization’s mission. Stephanie’s work is centered around creating programs […]
Extended Day Activities Registration is OPEN! Activities start week of January 8. Registration will take place entirely online through GOOGLE FORMS. As always, slots for each activity are limited. You will be asked to rank the choices for your child. Please be sure to read the details of each activity below to make sure you child is eligible for the activity […]
Our City Academy 6th graders were one of only five schools selected to participate in National STEM Day,sponsored by World Wide Technology. It was a full day of learning, listening and being actively engagedin exploring the various career opportunities within the realm of STEM. We watched proudly as our 6th grade scholars participated in an […]
The echoes of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to resonate through the world of education, leaving a trail of disrupted learning and widening gaps in academic achievement. Among the most affected are young learners in the early elementary grades, where foundational literacy skills are established. In response to this challenge, educators and administrators at City Academy […]
The following is the remarks delivered by Zuri Thomas as City Academy’s 25th Celebration Event on November 4, 2023. ‘I can be my best, by doing my best in everything I do.’ Those were a few of the words that were part of the pledge that I and the rest of the student body would […]
As part of City Academy’s ongoing efforts to provide opportunities to our alumni for networking, enrichment, and growth, internships were made available at four St. Louis companies this summer: M3 Engineering Group, Reinsurance Group of America (RGA), St. Louis Trust & Family Office, and Thompson Street Capital Partners.Three high school students interned with RGA, while […]
Extended Day Activities Registration is OPEN! Activities start October 30. Registration will take place entirely online through GOOGLE FORMS. As always, slots for each activity are limited. You will be asked to rank the choices for your child. Please be sure to read the details of each activity below to make sure you child is eligible for the activity before signing […]
Extended Day Activities Registration is OPEN! Activities start August 21. Registration will take place entirely online through ALMA. As always, slots for each activity are limited. You will be asked to rank the choices for your child. Please be sure to read the details of each activity below to make sure you child is eligible for the activity before signing them up. […]
At first glance it may be a bit head-scratching as to why St. Louis-based real estate company Trophy Properties and Auction, known primarily for selling farms and hunting properties, would become consistent corporate sponsors of City Academy events. However, as Creative Director and Realtor Jake Brown tells it, supporting an educational institution like City Academy […]
By Jarrett Young, Head of School This summer I was on a road trip with my son through the middle of our nation. The drive was great because the weather was outstanding, traffic was at a minimum and I had good company. The drive also presented a chance to engage in deep reflection on the […]
Each year, City Academy awards the Martin Mathews Award to sixth grade students who reflect Mr. Mathews’ values and have demonstrated exceptional citizenship and academic integrity. Mr. Mathews was a visionary civic leader who had a profound impact on City Academy and the city of St. Louis. He led by example and spent his life […]
Hello everyone, my name is Verselé though when I went here everyone knew me as VJ. First off I want to start by congratulating the graduating class of 2023! This is an amazing accomplishment and you all should be very proud. I once was sitting where you all are now and I remember an Alum […]
Over the last five years, City Academy’s 6th grade graduates had an 87% acceptance rate into independent secondary schools in St. Louis with an average financial award of $23,309. Among the school’s 295 graduates, the most popular secondary schools have been John Burroughs (42), MICDS (38), and Crossroads (33). In order to achieve these successes, […]
When Peter Swank moved back to St. Louis from Chicago 12 years ago, he was looking for a way to get involved in something outside of his work and family life. That’s when a former high school classmate, Chip Hiemenz, told him about City Academy.
City Academy strives to not only provide a challenging curriculum during the school day, but to offer several opportunities for enrichment and growth outside of the classroom during our Extended Day Program. The Extended Day Program is provided at no extra cost, and allows students to arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. and leave as late as 6:00 p.m. This is particularly helpful to working parents that are not able to pick their children up at 3:30 p.m. when the school day ends.
Jordan Wilson was part of the first graduating class at City Academy in 2005, so most of his years were spent at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club before the new campus opened in 2004. In more than one way, it felt like a home away from home.
Martin L. Mathews 1925 – 2022 Martin Luther Mathews passed away peacefully this week at the age of 97. He was a pillar in our community who touched people from across our region with his positivity, his optimism and his belief in young people. As founder of the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club in 1960, […]
Pen pals may seem like a program that would go by the wayside with the prevalence of texting, e-mailing, and Facetiming, but perhaps that’s all the more reason why it is still alive and well at City Academy. Each year, our scholars in third through sixth grade are matched with a member of our community […]
If you have spent any time with children, you probably know that getting them to be quiet and listen, or to follow certain rules, is not always as easy as just asking them to do as you say – especially if it’s your first time meeting them. It is important to establish trust and respect, […]
City Academy (2021), Villa Duchesne (Exp. 2027) A recent graduate of City Academy, Whitney Gross wasted no time in getting heavily involved at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School. Already a member of show choir, and the volleyball and basketball teams, Whitney applied and was selected to go on the Sacred Heart trip to Chicago […]
City Academy (2009), John Burroughs (2015), Beloit College (2019), Rutgers University (Ex. 2024) Michael Strawbridge still remembers singing “Celebrate” while watching the bulldozers break ground on City Academy’s new campus in 2003 during his first year at the school, at the time based out of Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club. “I remember the hype of […]
City Academy (2011), John Burroughs (2017), Washington University (2021) Jordan spent just three years at City Academy, but his time here left a lasting impact on him. He fondly remembers his science classes and he enjoyed learning more about robotics during the extended day program. One of his most inspiring teachers was his literature teacher, […]
A Family Celebration for Shalawn Fennoy’s 20th Anniversary Over the last 20 years, Shalawn Fennoy has built strong relationships with her students at every turn. She eats lunch with students and spends time at recess with them even before they are in her class in order to get to know each individual personality. By knowing […]
To the City Academy Community: The City Academy academic community is transformative, vibrant, and evolving – it supports the growth of both students and their families during an integral time in their lives. The adjectives used to describe our school make it a desired place for families to entrust their most precious treasure, their children. […]
I would just like to start off by saying I am honored to be the 2022 Brightman Award recipient. City Academy was my home for eight years, and even after I left it continued to support me and welcome me into its community. There has never been a moment where I could not contact a […]
City Academy strives to develop leadership skills in all of our scholars, including counting on our Upper School students to become leaders in our own community. Our current 6th grade scholars have truly grown to understand that responsibility and exemplify leadership each day. In ELA class, they were asked to respond to the question “What […]
Did you know that every City Academy student receives Spanish language and culture instruction, starting at age 3? September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the culture and history of the United States. Our Spanish curriculum already includes a heavy emphasis on cultural […]
The Martin L. Mathews Award, given at graduation each year, is named for Martin Mathews, co-founder of Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club, whose inspiration made City Academy possible. It is awarded to a student or students who exemplify his exceptional leadership and citizenship while demonstrating academic integrity. The 2021 recipients, chosen by City Academy faculty, […]
At the 2021 Virtual Annual Luncheon, we were thrilled to present alumna Najaah Muhammad ’15 (MICDS ’21) with this year’s Brightman Award. The Brightman Award is named for John Brightman, one of City Academy’s original board members and supporters. John was integral in the start of the school, and this award, including a $1,000 scholarship, […]
Dear City Academy Family, I am writing to share that Nikki Doughty has accepted a position at Washington University’s Institute for School Partnership. Nikki will be “graduating” from City Academy at the end of this school year, after 15 amazing years. At Washington University, Nikki will continue the important work of removing barriers to transform […]
This year’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King is especially timely as our country tries to heal from the recent events in Washington and all of the challenges that we faced in 2020. While dedicating his life for racial equality and justice for all, Dr. King was also an optimist who, even in the darkest […]
Engaging hands-on experiences are a hallmark of City Academy’s STEAM program, and our faculty are finding creative ways to make that possible during virtual learning. This week in 4th grade science, our scholars dissected squids as part of the biology curriculum. Each student was given their own specimen to dissect, following along with 3rd and […]
Students in third and fourth grade science classes wrapped up their ecology unit this week with a livestream Q & A with Fox 2 meteorologist Chris Higgins. The unit began with creating nature journals to record daily abiotic elements of weather such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind and clouds. After students practiced recording data, they […]
Every year, City Academy’s third grade class completes a Wax Museum project. Each scholar chooses a historical figure to research and eventually portray in the living Wax Museum. To prepare for the presentation, students write a research paper, draw a portrait, and create a display backdrop about their chosen historical figure.
Martin Mathews Award Recipients | Ayomide Ajakaiye and Isaac Taylor Mr. Martin Mathews, the founder of Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club and a wonderful friend of City Academy, has spent his life serving others. Mr. Mathews always espouses his three R’s: respect, restraint, and responsibility. His philosophy of high expectations inspired the vision for City […]
The David Steward Family Graduation is also a time to reflect on the importance of philanthropy: Making an active effort to promote the welfare of others. We are all here today because of the generosity and support of those in our community who believe in our school and in you, our students. At our first […]
Graduation Alumnus Speech | Zion Thomas ’13 (MICDS ’19) Hello! I’m Zion Thomas, a 2013 City Academy alumnus, and a recent graduate of MICDS, headed to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio this Fall. Let me begin by saying congratulations…to all of you. Today marks a significant milestone in your lives, a resolution to […]
In addition to cutting edge collaboration and integration of the five STEAM fields into classroom learning, the STEAM program includes experiential learning in the community through field trips that help students build bridges between classroom learning and real world applications. Generous support from the Monsanto Fund (now the Bayer Fund) has made these field trips possible. The fifth […]
We are thrilled to have great partnerships with other private, independent schools in St. Louis including Whitfield School. On Thursday, October 4, 2018, several Whitfield students volunteered their time at City Academy for Whitfield’s community service day. One of the students was City Academy alumnus, Malik Smith ’15 (Whitfield School ’21), who decided to give back to his […]
Early Childhood Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Wednesday, September 26 at 8:00am City Academy 4175 North Kingshighway Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63115 Making Early Childhood Education Accessible in North St. Louis On September 26, 2018 at 8:00am, City Academy will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the school’s new Early Childhood Center. The Center is a […]
Camp Cultural Leadership was an influential experience. I learned about social justice issues and how they affected people, African American and Jewish history, and made great new friends. Camp Cultural Leadership is the 3 week camp version of the high school program, Cultural Leadership. During camp we studied African American and Jewish history, and their […]
First Week of School Reflection by Don Danforth This week, we launched our twentieth school year. It was exciting to see the optimism and excitement of everyone, especially our students. One parent shared that her daughter bounced out of bed, fully dressed and ready to go, having slept in her school uniform! For me, first […]
The Charles Knight Family At our first graduation in 2005, we created the Oliver Langenberg Award. This award honors a St. Louisan whose contributions have made City Academy and our broader community better. Oliver Langenberg was City Academy’s first donor in 1998, a year before we opened! Think about that. He gave money to a […]
City Academy 2018 Graduation Alumnus Speech | Kendall McLemore ’12 (Priory ’18) Today I want to talk briefly about mottos or, as some people call them, mantras. A motto is a short sentence or phrase chosen to encapsulate the beliefs or ideals guiding an individual, family, or institution. At each point in my life I […]
Volunteers from Whitfield School and John Burroughs School This spring, two very special visitors have been around City Academy. You may find on the field playing kickball, in the classroom assisting our students, or in the library helping pack up our books for renovations to our current facility. Josh (John Burroughs School ’18) and Jordan […]
April is School Library Month! We’re celebrating our library, librarian, and literacy programs all month (and year) long. The City Academy library is home to nearly 14,000 titles. But our library is more than just books, thanks to Librarian and Tech Integration Coordinator, Marybeth Huff. Marybeth has been with City Academy for the past ten […]
“We need to be good stewards of our land. There are little things we can do to make a huge difference.” – Ann Luciani, Early Childhood STEAM Teacher In honor of Earth Day, City Academy students have spent the last few weeks in nature. They have been creating anti-litter posters and collecting trash around City […]
Why City Academy is Important To Me by Megan Chaney Walker and Daphne (4th grade student) We’re celebrating our volunteers during National Volunteer Week (April 15-21, 2018)! One long-time volunteer, Megan Chaney Walker, has been volunteering as a mentor for many years. She also serves on our Marketing Committee and is a regular attendee at […]
Shawn Williamson ’07 (Whitfield School ’13, Texas Christian University ’17) City Academy began in 1999 with three grades at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. One student in City Academy’s first junior kindergarten class was Shawn Williamson ’07 (Whitfield School ’13, Texas Christian University ’17). Now in her first semester at Saint Louis University School of […]
Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Over 500 people attended City Academy’s sixth annual Trivia Night on March 3, 2018, to test their smarts and prove their knowledge! This event was held at a new location, John Burroughs School, to accommodate the growth in attendance. All proceeds from the event go directly to our […]
“I give to City Academy because of the support the school has given me. I want to help the next generation of students.” – Mark Wheeler ’11 City Academy has given me opportunities that have shaped who I am as a person. I have held leadership positions in my community and secondary school because of […]
“City Academy is so good and so right for the St. Louis community. We want to see the school continue indefinitely.” – Chris & Laura Towle Our family strongly believes in the transformational power of education. Don Danforth’s vision to provide exceptional education and bold expectations to children in St. Louis, regardless of their family’s […]
“We enrolled our children in City Academy due to the culture of the school and the challenging curriculum. We give to the annual fund because we believe in the mission of the school.” – Reginald & Vanitra Richards, Parents of Kennedy ’24 and Kendall ’24 We joined the City Academy family in 2015 because we […]
I’m so thankful and honored to be here today. As a senior at MICDS, I’m consumed by all things related to finishing this final semester and getting ready for college. When I learned that I was a recipient of this award, it allowed me to pause and reflect on my experience at City Academy. I […]
Hello, I’m Najee Walker. I am a City Academy alumna from the class of 2012 and I am grateful to have the opportunity to receive the Alumni Award from Wells Fargo Advisors, as well as flattered that City Academy nominated me.
“No matter how intelligent a person may be, you will accomplish more if you have a sense of urgency about getting things done.” – John Brightman, 1932 – 2017 City Academy recently lost one of our “Founding Fathers.” John Brightman led us to our early success. He was an original board member, generous supporter, and […]
NO GIFTS FOR ME! With the holidays approaching, I’ve been thinking a lot about how blessed I am. And how I really don’t need a thing. (Especially since I have a December birthday, so I’ve just received gifts.) So I’ve decided to “donate my holiday” to City Academy.
For several families in St. Louis, quality and affordable educational opportunities are out of reach. Like all parents, Tamara and Demetrius want the best for their children. After being disappointed in their neighborhood’s school district, they were thrilled to find an innovative school near their home. At City Academy, the Thomas family has found a […]
“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” – R.J. Palacio, Wonder Every day, our students start the day by saying our school pledge and singing “A Kid For Character.” This semester, our first grade class created a music video to learn more about the words in the song. While singing “A […]
For Immediate Release On September 27, 2017, City Academy officially broke ground on the school’s new Early Childhood Center and publicly launched the Campaign for City Academy. By 2020, City Academy will grow the school’s student population from 185 scholars to 250 students. In order to do so, the Campaign for City Academy will include […]
Khadijah Fortenberry ’06 Whitfield School ’12, University of Mississippi ’16 I came to City Academy in 2005, a year after the school moved from Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club and into its new home across the street. I remember how excited the community was for the new edition. Each time my mother and I would […]
Schools with a Relationship Culture say, “You are always my student. You can graduate from my school, but I stay with you. I stay with your family. I will judge my success not by your eighth-grade degree, but by your college degree.” I see similar commitment at City Academy, where school runs through sixth grade but […]
We believe that every child should have access to high quality education, regardless of a family’s income or geographic location. All students at City Academy receive tuition support through generous donations from local foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Tuition is based on income and varies by family. Tuition includes before and after school programs, as […]
As I sat on the edge of my seat, hanging on to each word of the beautifully-written and presented speeches of our graduating sixth graders, I was unexpectedly overcome by a wave of feelings and reflections. Just a year and a half before, I was being interviewing by these very students as candidate to be […]
For 72 years, NCCJ St. Louis has honored those leaders who, in their own lives, embrace the tenets of NCCJ’s work to make St. Louis a community where all people are valued and respected. Don Danforth III, President and Co-Founder of City Academy was honored with a Brotherhood Sisterhood Award on June 6. The award honors […]
Good evening, I am Sydni Hall, and I am so very honored to have been chosen as the alumni speaker for City Academy’s Class of 2017 graduation ceremony. This class is very special to me, as my brother, Steven Hall, is among the graduates tonight. As he completes his elementary school journey and transitions into […]
In honor of City Academy’s earliest and most generous supporters, Oliver M. Langenberg, City Academy recognized two St. Louis leaders, Holly James and Alicia McDonnell for this year’s award. These community leaders, who are also sisters, are staunch believers in the importance of education and passionate about City Academy.
Buddy Morning is a great opportunity for both community supporters and students. Twice a year, community partners, donors, supporters, and volunteers spend one-on-one time with a student and experience our unique mission. City Academy has hosted twenty-one Buddy Morning events since 2006. Each attendee is paired with a scholar and has the opportunity to build a relationship […]
EDUCATION FOR ALL Every child deserves hope, and black or white has nothing to do with it. I had just graduated from my private liberal-arts college and was working for a large St. Louis corporation when a friend asked me to volunteer as a tutor at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. That’s where I met […]
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Martin Luther King, Jr. This seminal quote delivered by Dr. King served as both a rallying cry and proverbial exclamation mark to conclude a stirring address made […]
Each year, Wells Fargo Advisors recognizes a City Academy alumnus with the Wells Fargo Advisors Alumni Service Award. This year, two graduates were recognized at our Annual Luncheon on December 1: Marshall Strawbridge ’11 (The Fulton School ’17) and Mark Wheeler ’11 (Whitfield School ’17).
¡Hola clase ! The Spanish program at City Academy is muy bueno! Every student at City Academy participates in our Spanish program, and each class is structured to best enhance the learning of each grade level.
Buddy Morning is a great opportunity for corporate groups and individuals to spend quality time with a City Academy student. Twice a year, community partners, donors, supporters, and volunteers spend one-on-one time with a student and experience what makes our school so special. These buddies participate in a learning activity together and create a great […]
Dear Diary, As I type this blog, I recall the ebb and flow of teaching some years when I had a class of predominant high achievers then other years when the majority of the class needed extra practice. During both extremes, I was challenged because I wanted to do more for each group but wasn’t […]
The very first day of school for City Academy was September 1, 1999. There were 42 students in three classes- junior kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade, who were part of the inaugural celebration. The following is the first day of school speech given by President and Co-Founder of City Academy, Don Danforth III. First Day of […]
As the only private, independent school in north St. Louis city, we are committed to providing exceptional education that transforms the community. One of the best examples we have of our community impact is our alumni. For many students, once they graduate from elementary school, they no longer have much contact with the school or […]
We are fortunate to have our alumni volunteering and interning at City Academy this summer. They are truly showing our current students what it means to make a difference in the community. We could not ask for better role models or volunteers!
City Academy has named Milton Mitchell the school’s Principal beginning July 1, 2016. Mr. Mitchell grew up in Kinloch, MO, but has lived in California for the past fifteen years. He most recently served in administration at the Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, CA, just outside of Los Angeles, where he spearheaded the admission process […]
Dream wild. Dream big. Dream often. “Whether you think you can or you think that you can’t, you’re right.” This is a quote that I have lived by my entire life. I learned that I am able to do anything and everything that I believe that I can do, and that there is no stronger […]
For many schools, the end of the school year means that the pace of homework and assignments begins to wind down. Not so at City Academy. One thing I love about our rigorous program is that we go full throttle until the end. Many times this means contending with bumps and conflicts with the schedule […]
“Buddy Morning is my favorite day because I love seeing my buddy!” -Kyleigh, 5th grade student Exceptional education. Bold expectations. Community Transformation. These are the words that our school lives by, but what exactly do they mean? On April 15, 2016, more than 100 individuals from the community attended Buddy Morning to find out! Community […]
City Academy alumni are dedicated to giving back to the community that has given them so much. Even after graduating from City Academy, the majority of our alumni realize the impact that the school has made on them and continue to come back to volunteer. In fact, a group of about a dozen alumni in […]
Our teachers have bold expectations for students. For our music teacher, Mr. Laren Loveless, these bold expectations provide students a creative environment and safe place where they can fuse every day life with music. One of the results from this environment is that sixth graders had the opportunity to write an original song first performed at City Academy’s 2016 Black […]
Seven years ago, City Academy embarked on a new program in innovation and design. Robotics was added to our science curriculum for fifth and sixth graders. However, students expressed so much interest in learning more about robotics and programming that our science teacher, Mr. Erik Taylor, provided them the opportunity to further develop their skills […]
We’re living in a pivotal time in history. For those of us in St. Louis, we often feel like we’re in the epicenter. Our children, our families, and our community have been and continue to be directly affected by events in our region from the past nineteen months. This semester, sixth grade students have studied […]
Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Over 300 people attended City Academy’s fourth annual Trivia Night on March 5, 2016, to test their smarts and prove their knowledge! Attendees enjoyed a fun night of trivia along with great food and drinks, fabulous silent auction items, and a whole lot of smiles and laughter. All […]
Learning and celebrating black history doesn’t stop after February
City Academy has always celebrated Black History Month by recognizing individuals who have made a difference in society. Students typically study historical African-American leaders in the classroom and honor these leaders at school assemblies. But this year, we decided to bring awareness to great local African-American leaders. We want our students to know there are […]
“Practicing peace while others showed hatred was tougher than any school test.” Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney These words are from Andrea Davis Pinkney’s award-winning book, Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down, based on the 1960 peaceful protest led by four students at a […]
City Academy is dedicated to providing support not only to our 180 students, but also to our 155 alumni. Each semester, I conduct about 100 visits to our alumni. I check in on their progress, conduct one-on-one counseling sessions, and meet with advisers, principals and heads of school. The following is an update as to […]
Prior to the end of 2015, third grade students decided that they wanted to give back to the north St. Louis community. Third graders, along with the support from their teacher, Ms. Pearson, planned to collect canned foods. However, since City Academy is a family, the third graders invited all classes to participate in this […]
For many families in our community, quality educational options are out of reach. Through City Academy’s scholarship program, Monalisa Gooden found a supportive community with exceptional academics for her two children, Charles ’13 and Carlos ’14. Like all parents, Monalisa dreams of providing the best opportunities for her children. After being disappointed in her neighborhood’s […]
We empathize with parents who love St. Louis city and are looking for affordable, quality education for their children. We grew up in the city during the midst of the suburban flight that emptied many neighborhoods and contributed to the declining enrollment in our schools. This said, we remain committed to living in the city […]
As we approach fall break, I continue to enjoy the Singapore approach to help our scholars understand mathematics. Singapore math utilizes a logical approach progressing from concrete to pictorial to abstract math. While not always easy, once scholars comprehend a skill, it’s a joy to see them proud of their accomplishment. But to me, Singapore is […]
We are thrilled to offer social studies to students in grades second through sixth grade. Through a diverse study of different countries, cultures and religions, students form a broader view of the world while recognizing their own unique place. Our approach to social studies goes beyond the textbook as lessons are based on discussion, critical […]
First days of school come with anticipation, wide eyes, a few tears and many smiles. But in all cases, they come with hope and renewal. For me, the first day of school means order is restored, expectations are high, and possibilities are endless. It is my favorite time of year! I relish seeing the excitement […]
When you walk through the halls at City Academy during our summer program, you may expect to see children creating art projects, running on the playground, and playing in the gym. What you may not expect to find are students in every class, ages 4 to 6th grade, reading books and writing stories. From reading […]
Martin Mathews founded the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club as a way to provide young people in our city opportunities. Mr. Mathews’ philosophy of high expectations inspired the vision for City Academy. Each graduation, we honor Mr. Mathews by recognizing a member of our sixth grade class who reflects Mr. Mathews’ values, and who has […]
On May 27, the Taylor family of Enterprise Rent-A-Car generously made a $1 million gift to City Academy! This gift will endow scholarships for five students every year. Scholarship is the foundation of our school and the Taylor family’s leadership will allow us to increase the number of children we serve.
I found City Academy though a friend when I was looking for a new volunteer opportunity and for almost three years, I have had the joy of working on developing reading skills with Daphne, a wonderful little girl full of energy and life.
Have you ever seen a child so deep into an activity that he ignores the world around? Bringing play into the classroom helps strengthen focus, independence, and problem solving, while also eliminating the fear of failure. Play can also help familiarize children with the world around them through social interactions and conflict resolution.
America is a unique and ambitious experiment. In many ways, City Academy is equally unique and ambitious. Since its inception, America has offered itself as a place where people from across the globe could come and, through hard work and perseverance, realize the best that they could imagine and build a future of their own […]
My daughter, Lauren, is a student at City Academy. We are new to the City Academy family. With that being said, this school year has been a huge change in our lives as well as an adventurous journey.
Each year, John Burroughs School juniors are encouraged to choose five Americans they would like to meet and write about each. A selection committee conducts individual interviews with finalists and chooses a winner based on “enthusiasm, character and a willingness to take chances in order to achieve their goals.”
A City Academy alumnus and standout scholar-athlete is the center of the sports world and continues to be a trending topic on twitter this week.
So what do all educators tell you? Read to your kids. Then they cite the educational literature with statistics proving that by reading, your child will become a better reader, or your child will develop strong listening skills, or your child will improve their comprehension. Of course this is true.
It has been almost three months since I have returned from my study abroad program from Ghana. Since then I have had time to reflect and think about my experience as a whole. I remember signing up for this program and not knowing anyone else who was going but I knew that I had to […]
Dear City Academy, Well, I now have a high school graduate! Alexis will be attending Mizzou in the fall.
