De Smet Jesuit Explores Adding Middle School

De Smet Jesuit has catered to high school students since it was founded in 1967. Now school leaders are investigating the possibility of expanding to the middle school level.

School President Father Wally Sidney, S.J. said this is the third time De Smet Jesuit has considered the addition. Previous interest was rebuffed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

The latest examination comes as the Archbishop Robert Carlson has pushed the Alive In Christ initiative, which has sought to improve the academic excellence in catholic schools in the area while also promoting the faith. Fr. Sidney told Patch Monday that there's still an interest in expanding Jesuit education to earlier levels and that research has supported the idea that children do better in gender-specific schools at that age level.

St. Louis Priory and Chaminade both offer middle school classes.

Fr. Sidney said the process is still in its beginning stages to evaluate a business plan and facility needs. He said he envisioned 60 students in each grade level, all based at the high school's New Ballas Road home. An opening of August 214 is the earliest a middle school would be ready.

In the meantime, school leaders are meeting with other local high schools, parish schools, parents and alumni. Two meetings are being held next week for alumni and parents of current students. Those interested in attending are asked to click here.

A letter to alumi said a consulting firm's research should be presented by late May and that a decision to move forward could be made by the school's Board of Trustees at the end of June.