The Lead School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked MO School
School Type: Alternative School
Grades: 1-12
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

The Lead School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:

School Facts

School Type

Alternative School

Grades Offered

Grades 1-12

Year Founded

2013

Student Body

Student Body Type

Co-ed

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

6 teachers

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

85%

Average Class Size

8 students

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Admissions Director

Shanna Smith

School Notes

The Lead School is an independent alternative to traditional public school settings.
Based in St. Charles, Missouri, The Lead School provides an intensive academic program within a safe supportive environment. The Lead School offers a special education day school program for boys and girls ages 5 21 who have emotional disabilities, who are on the autism spectrum and/or who have multiple disabilities that interfere with their enrollment in regular school programs.
Students also may have secondary problems, such as learning disabilities, health impairments, attention deficit disorder, and/or speech and language difficulties. The Lead School is an approved private agency with The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students are typically referred by their local education agencies through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

The Lead School strives daily to ensure students are receiving an unrivaled education not only to prepare them for future endeavors but also to challenge them in a way that is as effective as it is enjoyable. These tools encourage students to grasp next level concepts while helping inspire them to realize routine is not always the standard.Teachers at The Lead School use a variety of instructional materials and methods throughout the school day to ensure student involvement and learning. Students have the ability to collaborate with other classmates on a school based level, allowing them to confront and resolve complex challenged-based projects as a team, while also absorbing crucial, lifelong techniques that will be used in and outside of the classroom all while enjoying themselves.At the Lead School, Teachers drive all instruction. All teachers at The Lead School are certified special educators. Instruction at The Lead School is delivered using the Gradual Release of Responsibility method. The Gradual Release of Responsibility method (I do, We do, You do) is a successful approach for moving classroom instruction from teacher-centered, whole-group delivery to student centered collaboration moving on to independent practice. Teachers spend the day providing direct instruction in the core classes: Math, Science, Social Studies and English.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Lead School's ranking?

The Lead School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for The Lead School?

The application deadline for The Lead School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5 8/12/2018

Great administration, faculty, staff, and students. You will not be disappointed to send your children to this school. The Lead School cares about each and every student and meet their individual needs. The students are amazing and a really fun place.

- Posted by Teacher - Elizabeth Wiethop

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Saint Charles, MO is $8,111 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Saint Charles, MO is 94% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).