35 Couch Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63122

I’m a parent of two children, one daughter and one son, who both attended this school, and I want to share our honest experience with future families considering it.Our daughter thrived here. She was encouraged, supported, and surrounded by educators who created a positive, challenging, and enriching environment. She had a great experience, both academically and socially, and we were extremely pleased with the opportunities she received.We assumed our son would benefit in the same way. But his experience was vastly different, especially under a newer administration. He has a medical condition and a learning disability, and while the SSD team was very helpful, many of the teachers and administrators, particularly female staff, showed little patience or understanding for his needs.Rather than receiving support, our son was frequently disciplined for behavior related to his condition. The lack of empathy and rigid responses made school feel like a hostile place. Over time, he grew withdrawn, lost motivation, and struggled emotionally and academically. By the time meaningful accommodations were finally made (late in 8th grade), the damage was already done.We aren’t alone in this. Several other parents, particularly of boys, shared similar experiences. Many voiced concerns about an imbalance in how male and female students were treated. Girls often received more leniency and encouragement, while boys were more quickly disciplined or dismissed.We reached out to the staff and administration many times. Some individuals truly tried to help, but overall, the system didn’t respond effectively or consistently. It felt like support was conditional, not equitable.This school can be great. It certainly was for our daughter. But for our son, and for many other boys we've come to know through this journey, it was not a supportive place. If your child is a self-driven learner, especially a girl, this might be a good fit. But families with boys who need understanding, flexibility, or special support should approach with caution.Every child deserves a fair, compassionate education. I hope sharing our story helps other families make informed decisions and encourages the school to strive for more balance and inclusion.

I went to school here between 2015-2019I was bullied in middle school and a little in HighSchool my principal and teachers weren’t actually involved just small meetings. My kid brother also attended about a year or two later he was bullied and had fights in the bathroom almost on a daily basis. The whole dynamic of this school is sickening and has a bit of racism.