Why Us

Top Charter Elementary School

SLLIS was the #1 charter elementary school in Missouri according to US News & World Report rankings in 2024.

Diverse by Nature

Our staff come from 18 home countries across four continents.

Exceptional Student Growth

In 2024, SLLIS student growth in English Language Arts was #1 in the state of Missouri as measured by the Missouri MAP Test.

Our Approach

SLLIS Dual Language

Select French, Spanish, or Chinese when you enroll. Most of our students don’t know any target language when they arrive in kindergarten! Our dual language model is 50% target language and 50% English and places an emphasis on collaboration, rigor, and writing.

1
  • 1

    SLLIS Dual Language

    Select French, Spanish, or Chinese when you enroll. Most of our students don’t know any target language when they arrive in kindergarten! Our dual language model is 50% target language and 50% English and places an emphasis on collaboration, rigor, and writing.

    Staff Spotlight- THE SPECIAL PROGRAMS TEAM

    Ericka

    Nationally Certified School Psychologist with a degree from UMSL - she empowers teachers and children through a hands-on problem-solving approach that fosters inquiry and critical thinking. She enjoys family game nights, puzzles, reading, pickleball, volleyball, and tennis!

    - Ericka Marchbanks, Psychologist

    Emily

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from Cape Girardeau, MO, serving as the Behavioral Health Therapist at SLLIS through our BJC Hospital partnership. Passionate about accessible mental health care in schools - enjoys crafting, hiking, and time with her husband and dog.

    - Emily Dorris, Behavioral Health Therapist

    Taylor

    Pediatric occupational therapist since 2019, and in her 3rd year at SLLIS - she helps students achieve goals in fine motor skills, self-regulation, social skills, and more! A proud St. Louis native, she enjoys time with family, friends, and her goldendoodle, Phoebe.

    - Taylor Macker, Occupational Therapist

    Sam Sudduth

    SLP with a background from SLU and Missouri State University - she provides therapy for speech sound disorders, language delays, and stuttering. Passionate about empowering students as independent communicators. She enjoys crafting, reading, traveling, and biking.

    - Samantha Sudduth, Speech-Language Pathologist

    Kristin

    With 30 years of experience in roles like Sped teacher, ABA therapist, and Math Interventionist, she is passionate about teaching and advocating for equality in education. This STL native enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, and appreciating art with husband and 3 cats.

    - Kristin Carroll, Interventionist

    Nurse

    Born in Jamaica & moved to the U.S. in 8th grade. After serving in the U.S. Army and Reserves, she earned her degree and began a 32-year nursing career, including 8 years as a school nurse. Nationally Certified School Nurse - she believes every child deserves quality care.

    - Michele Voss, Nurse

    Sarah Fogle

    Missouri native, joined SLLIS in 2023 after 8 years of teaching. Passionate about teaching - holds a Bachelor's in Education & certifications in Elementary Ed and Special Ed. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, outdoor activities and creating stained glass art.

    - Sarah Fogle, Special Education Teacher

    Meira

    Born & raised in STL - 12 years of teaching experience and is in her 3rd year at SLLIS. With certifications in Elementary Ed, Early Childhood Special Ed, Special Ed, and Reading Specialist, she holds a Master's in Special Ed and loves helping students achieve their goals.

    - Meira Sondov-Gold, Special Education Teacher

    Aaron

    8 years of ESL experience, including work in South Korea with students, business professionals, & leaders, she holds multiple degrees, including a B.S. in Missiology, an MA in TESOL, & Ph.D. candidacy - passionate about helping students thrive in literacy and writing.

    - Aaron O'Laughlin, ENL Teacher

    Paige

    ESL teacher with a background in Elementary Education and Middle School ELA - previously worked as a Paraprofessional, Teaching Assistant, & Long-Term French Substitute. She embraces learning alongside multilingual students, incorporating love for art, travel, and writing.

    - Paige Sinclair, ENL Teacher

    andrea

    Passionate about her job, she believes education is the key to success and that children need to feel confident in their abilities. She practices empathy and compassion daily, aiming to influence students academic growth & their ability to solve problems.

    - Andrea Boccalon, Paraprofessional

    Angela

    With a background in education since 2006, she began by serving on financial and academic boards for E. STL and SLPS. Now a paraprofessional at SLLIS, she provides instructional and behavioral support, helping students thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

    - Angela Boclair-Jones, Paraprofessional

    Kate

    With 35 years of experience in Child Development, she moved to St. Louis from Oklahoma nine years ago. Passionate about helping children succeed, she looks forward to becoming a part of the SLLIS team and continuing her work with children and their families.

    - Kate Jordan, Paraprofessional

    Thank you to our SLLIS Community Partners! Merci! ¡Gracias! Xièxiè nǐ! 谢谢你

    • African Chamber of Commerce
    • Asian American Chamber of Commerce
    • Benjamin F. Edwards Investments for Generations
    • City Wide Facility Solutions
    • Logo
    • Delta Dental
    • Emerson
    • High Five Strategies
    • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
    • Rotler Pest Solutions
    • St. Louis Bank
    • Standing Partnership
    • The SAIGH Foundation
    • Tueth Keeney