Stephens College Children's School is a constructivist, holistic-based laboratory school community.
It is comprised of children, families, faculty and Stephens College students.
Collaboration with Columbia Public School educators provides the opportunity for developmentally appropriate educational experiences.
The mission of this laboratory school throughout its history has been to provide college students opportunities for direct experiences with children, while providing community children with solid, research-based instruction by professors, college students and certified teachers.
The school was designed to house college classrooms as well as children's classrooms.
College students participate directly with the children in classroom activities on a variety of teaching levels while being supervised by professors and master teachers.
Quality programs include half-day preschool and a new full-day preschool program and K-5 Elementary program.
Both preschool and elementary programs are designed to support the whole child, including social, emotional, cognitive, academic and physical growth.
Children are engaged in active learning experiences throughout the day.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 102 students
- Yearly Tuition: $8,010
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Year Founded
1925
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
102 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
8%
Average Class Size
10 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$935/month
Summer Program Cost
$200
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 81%
School Notes
- What started as an experimental nursery school in 1925 istoday`s Children`s School at StephensCollege (CSSC). The mission of this laboratory school is to provide college students opportunities for direct experiences with children, while providing children from the community with solid, research-based instruction by professors, college students, and certified teachers. The school moved to the Audrey Webb Child Study Center in 1970, and expanded into the additional classroom in the Hugh Stephens Library Penthouse in 2016. Today, the school is located in Hickman Hall in the heart of Stephens College campus. Throughout its history, teaching, learning, and children have been at the center of the Stephens College laboratory school.
- We Believe:
- *Children and college students have an intrinsic desire to learn and construct knowledge by interacting upon the world.Children and college students should be active learners who have a variety of opportunities to try out ideas they are learning in real situations.
- *Classroom teachers are active facilitators who utilize a variety of methodologies and best practices.
- *Education should involve the total person, including social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development with attention to feelings, attitudes, and values.
- *Acceptance and support of each individual and the encouragement of social and moralautonomy are central to The Children`s School at Stephens College experience for students,families, faculty, and pre-service teachers.
- *Students learn best when exposed to a variety of practices, methods, and experiences.
- *Artful thinking has application beyond the classroom and supports our ability to ask criticalquestions, solve problems in innovative ways, and make meaning.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Jill Schlude - Named Columbia’s First Female Police Chief, 2024. -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Children's School at Stephens College cost?
The Children's School at Stephens College's tuition is approximately $8,010 for private students and $200 for summer students.
What schools are The Children's School at Stephens College often compared to?
The Children's School at Stephens College is often viewed alongside schools like Columbia Independent School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Children's School at Stephens College?
The acceptance rate of The Children's School at Stephens College is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 85%.
Who are famous alumni from The Children's School at Stephens College?
The Children's School at Stephens College famous alumni include: Jill Schlude - Named Columbia’s First Female Police Chief, 2024..
Does The Children's School at Stephens College offer a summer program?
Yes, The Children's School at Stephens College offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for The Children's School at Stephens College?
The application deadline for The Children's School at Stephens College is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
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Popular comparisons: The Children's School at Stephens College vs. Columbia Independent School
People that viewed The Children's School at Stephens College also viewed these schools: Columbia Montessori School, Christian Chapel Academy, Columbia Independent School, MICDS (Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School) and City Garden School.
The nearest high school to The Children's School at Stephens College is Shalom Christian Academy (0.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Windsor Street Montessori School (0.5 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Columbia Montessori School
Montessori School
Grades: PK-K | 71 students 1.4 miles 3 Anderson Ave
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 449-5418
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 449-5418
1.4
PK-K
71
Grades: NS-8 | 334 students 2.6 miles 3300 S Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 874-2325
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 874-2325
2.6
NS-8
334
Grades: PK-12 | 400 students 3 miles 1801 N Stadium Blvd
Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 777-9250
Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 777-9250
3
PK-12
400
Grades: PK-12 | 1,253 students 105.8 miles 101 North Warson Road
Saint Louis, MO 63124
(314) 995-7367
Saint Louis, MO 63124
(314) 995-7367
105.8
PK-12
1,253
Grades: K-8 | 91 students 1.4 miles 606 Ridgeway Ave.
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 356-1141
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 356-1141
1.4
K-8
91
School Reviews
5 6/10/2022
I am a former teacher of Child Development in Texas. I am also a graduate of Stephens College. The Child Development Program at Stephens is at the top of the nation in my opinion. After 35 years I returned and went through their department during a reunion weekend. It is still topped. Let the world know about Stephens.
5 5/17/2016
This school gives students the most amazing learning opportunities! Our child has attended her first year and we plan to have all three of our children attend this school. The elementary program is one of a kind with learning opportunities the fit every child. I couldn't imagine sending my children anywhere else.
5 5/17/2016
Our family loves SCCS. The small class sizes and high student:teacher ratio gives my daughter maximum personal attention. It's a place she's been able to thrive and prepare for kindergarten in a comfortable environment. We also love the parent community.
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