Charter schools are publicly funded, independently operated schools. Charter schools must have an authorizer that is responsible for holding the charter school accountable for compliance with their operating agreements (or “charters”). The University of Missouri St. Louis is the authorizer for SLLIS.

Any St. Louis City or County resident may attend SLLIS. New students must be entering kindergarten or first grade due to the nature of a bilingual curriculum. Students in grades 2-8 may apply if they have previously attended a language immersion school or are able to demonstrate proficiency upon assessment.

Free to St. Louis City residents. St. Louis County residents may enroll in this unique education model at $11,000 per year.

No. In fact, 90% of SLLIS students have no previous exposure to learning a foreign language.

SLLIS applies the academic program known as the Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model, which is structured to be a Gifted and Talented program for all. With its rigorous approach and heavy emphasis on literacy across the curriculum, this program puts students on the path to academic biliteracy.

Teachers must possess a bachelor’s degree in education, language or literacy or a closely related field, or equivalent credentials` from the country in which the teacher received their training. Classroom teachers must possess near-native spoken and written fluency in the target language of instruction.

Don’t worry! Homework within the dual language model is intended to be based on skills that your student has already mastered.

Yes, each class will receive instruction in music, visual art, library, and physical education each week.

Yes, the Boys and Girls Club, a long-time leader in youth programming, offers before- and after-school care for SLLIS students.

Yes, bus services are provided to all students who reside in St. Louis City. SLLIS contracts its bus services through First Student.

Yes, breakfast and lunch are provided daily. As a public school, SLLIS participates in the federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Students may choose to eat the school lunch or bring a lunch from home.

If for some reason your child or their account doesn’t have funds available that day, your child is still welcome to receive a meal. A balance will be added to the account for later payment.