Crossroads College Preparatory School

Crossroads College Preparatory School strives to be an exemplary and engaging learning community committed to justice and equity. “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

Crossroads College Preparatory School is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school for children grades 7 through 12. We strive to inspire intellectual, personal, and social growth in an atmosphere in which we expect academic excellence, recognize individual differences, and encourage a spirit of cooperation. The small school setting promotes effective and creative teaching and close student / teacher relationships.

Ours is a diverse community in which we appreciate and respect students , teachers , staff members, and administrators from different racial and cultural backgrounds . We are continuously committed to seeking a heterogeneous group that reflects our larger diverse society.

Due to the low student/teacher ratio, Crossroads College Preparatory School maintains the ability to recognize individual learning styles through a variety of teaching strategies. The strengths and weaknesses of each student are identified with individualized long-term goals formulated to aid the student in realizing his/her own unique potential.

We emphasize the analysis and practical application of attained information. Students are thus taught to think critically, creatively, and freely. As students make the transition from external reinforcement and consequences to internal motivation and discipline, they learn to set realistic goals, progressively accepting more responsibility for their actions. We believe in a developmental, sequential curriculum in which expectations and responsibilities increase and tasks become more complex as students move from middle to upper school.

Crossroads College Preparatory School is committed to an academically traditional yet richly experiential education. The balance of hard work and scholarship with excitement and humor cultivates discovery, imagination and joy in learning. In an atmosphere where all are encouraged to experiment, challenge and question, the classroom often becomes a setting for lively discussion, creative thinking and open debate. Beyond the classroom, the Crossroads College Prep curriculum incorporates the many educational opportunities in our community . An interdisciplinary approach to the core curriculum recognizes that ideas from many fields are enriched by theories, concepts and knowledge from other fields.

In the best liberal arts tradition, Crossroads College Preparatory School strives to prepare students to be independent thinkers, clear communicators, and effective problem-solvers who are prepared to meet the challenges of adulthood and citizenship.

As an element of our commitment to imagination and the development of the habit of empathy, our school has long focused on helping our students become agents of positive social change. We make an effort to connect our ideals with greater action and to apply our hearts’ desires to the work of our hands. Small groups of our students, accompanied by adults from our school community, develop partnerships with individual organizations by doing good work during four half-days spread over the fall and spring of each school year. By “good work,” we are referring to the book of the same title that defines good work as “work of expert quality that benefits the broader society” (Gardner, Csikszentmihalyi, & Damon). We work with more than 15 organizations, typically non-profits, in the greater Saint Louis metro area.

Crossroads students, parents and staff traveled to Joplin to help with the tornado recovery efforts. We worked with Rebuild Joplin and Americorps volunteers to clear debris where homes had been destroyed. We worked with the National Forest Service on trail building and maintenance in the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.

Intelligence is a tool. It’s not enough to be smart. We expect our students to be smart AND good. Crossroads prepares students to be successful in college and to be actively engaged in the wider community. Our students think critically, solve problems creatively, and act with empathy. While many schools value diversity and kindness, Crossroads has created a culture where everyone has a place, a voice, and something to contribute. Students advocate for themselves and their beliefs with confidence, and learn to listen to and respect different people and ideas. Our size and culture foster authentic relationships and motivate students to discover common interests.

We combine challenging academics with athletics, the arts, chess, and other activities PLUS the ability to continue whatever outside interests our students choose to pursue. Our student body includes accomplished athletes, performers, and participants in top-level competitions and organizations. We are proud to be located in the City of St. Louis, near Forest Park, Washington University, and some of the finest fields, courts, and museums in the region. Our campus extends beyond the walls of our building. When students know and understand themselves, they can tap into their full potential. At Crossroads, students spend time discovering passions and talents instead of focusing on where they fit in.