Ladue School Board Delays Decision on Westminster Christian Academy

Under pressure from parents who propose another option, the Ladue Board of Education has delayed until later in the school year a decision on how to use the Westminster Christian Academy building for needed new classroom space.

During its regular board meeting Monday night, the board voted 7-0 to table its for future use of the property at 10900 Ladue Rd. and instead indicated that it will consider another option suggested by some parents:  converting the academy into a new district school for students in grades five through six.

“Let’s investigate an option that has not been investigated,” urged board member Donna Smith.

The board had been considering four options:  creation of two middle schools for grades 5-8, creation of a district-wide fifth grade center, development of a single optional school for kindergarten through grade 8, and the addition of an elementary school.

Some parents said they object to mixing fifth graders with traditional middle school students and suggested that the board consider a new proposal that would create a school for fifth and sixth graders while using the existing Ladue Middle School for seventh and eighth grade students.

The board indicated it will study the new proposal while taking out of consideration the option for a new elementary school.  A final decision is now expected in April or May.