Ladue Horton Watkins High School

Outstanding high school. Very strong selection of AP courses; our children had especially good experiences in social studies. Great clubs, activities, supportive atmosphere. I agree with the previous parent about the misleading math MAP scores. (Site should fix this.) As a college educator, I was delighted to send my children to this school. Students are well prepared for college.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with a very challenging curriculum but with very misleading Math MAP scores! GreatSchools.org gives LHWHS a lower score of "7" partly because of its low math test scores. It does not explain how the vast majority of Ladue students take the Algebra MAP test in 8th grade so the only ones taking the test in high school are an unrepresentative and small number of lower performing students. Ignore the Math test score results listed here, they are meaningless! If you want to see what the math scores are for the actual student body look at the numbers for Ladue Middle School. I've seen the typical student body in my son's classes and to think only 15%, 24% or even 34% of them are proficient in math is laughable.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school in St. Louis, county great curricula, staff not only academics but also sports, from Elementary through high school . I have one graduate son , a Junior one in middle, and two in elementary , all great schools in the Ladue school district
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Ladue along with my three sisters and brother. We are all bachelors graduates from universities. Two of us have masters degrees and one with a doctorate. Three of us have sent our own four of us have sent our own children through the district, I think that is the best testament, "repeat business"! Foreign languages unmatched at any private or public school around. Athletics and other extra curricular activities abound, always top rated forensics and other academic award winners. Enthusiastic teachers and tremendous parent support make the Ladue school district simply the best. Check it out for yourself!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best public school you can ask for especially in St. Louis. The sports teams are great as well as the academics where most schools in the area you get one or the other.
—Submitted by a student

I wish the communication was a little better between the staff and parents. Some teachers and staff haven't returned emails nor have some been prompt in keeping Infinite Campus up-to-date (online grade reporting). Other than that we have been pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school if you are a middle of the road student or lower. Even with all the AP courses, etc. I felt that I was completely unprepared for college. I graduated Ladue with a 3.99 GPA and scored 4s and 5s on all my AP tests. However, I felt that the coursework was so easy that I never had to study on my own the entire time I was in the Ladue district (from K-12). There is no gifted program and the administrators don't seem to care about their smartest students. My friends who attended Chaminade, MICDS, JB, etc. all had much better high school experiences and felt that they got a lot more out of their high school education than I did. My experience is similar to friends who attended public schools that rate much lower than Ladue. In my opinion, Ladue is way overrated.

Ladue did an excellent job of preparing me for college. The teachers were top notch and the variety of classes/activities was unmatched by most St. Louis schools, even the private ones.

Money does help - Ladue is a wealthy public school district - and the community is committed to supporting the district. Pro's: Tremendous resources all around. Top notch instructors. Outstanding in the arts especially orchestra, band, and drama. Some of the most responsible financial administration I've ever seen. Con's: If you're not wealthy (a lot of the kids aren't) there is a definite social penalty that sometimes must be paid. Some kids suffer in this class struggle, some are oblivious to it - but it does exist.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of Ladue, '83. I now send my kids through the Ladue School District. My husband couldn't understand how important it was for us to find a home in the district.( He obviously is not from around these parts) And, in the land of 'Where did you go to school' not meaning your University, rather your High School, he clearly understands it now. When I went to my University, Mizzou, my friends would say, 'Ladue, that's a private school, isn't it'? I told them, 'No, but it sure seemed like it, just better'. There is diversity in not only the numerous course offerings(American Black Lit., Hebrew, not to mention AP courses) but in the student and teacher population. I'm impressed with how they have always welcomed and encouraged parent involvement and that can only lead to a brighter educational atmosphere. I am proud to say I went to Ladue's Horton Watkins High School. I know my kids will feel the same way! I certainly don't want this to sound like this review is just 'school pride', I truly do feel proud and with good reason. Check it out if you're looking for an excellent education ( athletics, theater, etc.) in the public or private school scene in St. Louis, Mo. Repeat business is always a great indicator of how well a business is. I run into former students all the time at open houses and conferences and sporting activities (they are all parents) and that's just the people I knew in high school. I can't imagine how many other former students have been and are now parents in the district. That speaks volumes!
—Submitted by Deb Zoole-Israeli, a parent

This school is amazing. Honestly, I was prepared so well for college, and the advisors are amazing. When I was going through family problems and started attending school much less than normal, instead of just suspending me, the principal called me into his office and would excuse me on days I couldn't come to school because my mother wouldnt. I was very fortunate to attend this high school.
—Submitted by a former student

I feel so fortunate to have attended Ladue High School (1984-1988). It prepared me well for college and beyond. The breadth and depth of the curriculum--now that I look back--was absolutely amazing, especially compared to the stories I hear from my friends about the public high schools they attended.