Lower School FAQs

Beasley students spend time each day engaged in whole group, small group, and one-on-one settings to receive the best instruction for each child. In addition to dedicated time each day with homeroom teachers focusing on language arts, math, and social studies, students at all grade levels are immersed in hands-on learning experiences with specialist teachers two to three times each week in visual arts, drama and music, information and technology literacy, science, and Spanish. They also participate in physical education every day.

We have 213 students in our Beasley Lower School (Junior Kindergarten-4th grade) and 1,250 students in our JK-12 community at MICDS. Beasley has two or three homerooms per grade and 12-18 students in each homeroom. Every grade level has 3-4 dedicated teachers, plus specialist teachers that teach JK-4th grade. Our student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1.

MICDS has an intentionally diverse, welcoming community. Our families come from over 70 zip codes throughout the St. Louis area, and 25% of our students are supported by more than $5.6 million in need-based tuition assistance. Also, 43% of our students self-identify as students of color. Our students practice different faiths, are ideologically and racially diverse, learn differently, and, in some cases, speak different languages in their homes. What unites us is a common belief in the call to action of our Mission Statement: to embrace all of the world’s people with compassion, to stand for what is good and right, and to lead lives of purpose and service.

Our teachers understand technology is a powerful tool that, when used appropriately and responsibly, facilitates the development of a rigorous, engaging, and innovative curriculum. Technology allows our teachers to differentiate, be creative, use real-world data, test complex models, and deliver a progressive, 21st-century education.

Lower School students benefit from our one-to-one iPad and Macbook Air program, depending on the grade level. Our technology literacy program focuses on enhancing the curriculum, not using it as a substitute when another approach would be pedagogically more sound. Our Lower School Coordinator of Instructional Technology partners with each grade level team to thoughtfully scaffold the introduction of technology and develop students into being good digital citizens who know how to make use of resources when needed.

Our Parent Welcoming Committee and Ram Family Connections program pairs every new family with a current family to help new students build relationships with classmates while also helping new parents connect with other parents in the same grade level. New students and parents are also invited to a number of welcoming events in the spring, summer, and early fall. In addition, Class Parent Chairs connect with new parents to welcome them and provide support throughout the school year.

Lower School tuition includes lunch and snack, one-to-one technology tools, and all books and materials. Morning care and field trip costs are also included. On the first day of school, all your child needs is a backpack and a pair of shoes to keep at school for physical education.

Schoolwide, we award more than $5.6 million of need-based tuition assistance each year to families and 25% of our students receive some amount of financial support.

MICDS has a vibrant and active parent body. Our Parents Association offers all MICDS parents and guardians numerous ways to engage in our community including through educational speakers, cultural events, book clubs, social gatherings, and volunteer opportunities. Most importantly, we collaborate with our parents through our Parent-School Partnership, a formal commitment between families and the School to embrace the tenets of our Mission Statement as we work together to support the growth of our students.

We believe after-school activities should be just as exciting and engaging as the school day itself. Our extended day program (available at an additional cost) is dedicated to providing a vibrant, learning-rich experience in a safe, nurturing atmosphere until 6:00 p.m. every day; and we offer a host of enrichment activities – from Little Veterinarian School and Crazy Chemworks to Supersonic Superheroes, Strings & Piano Lessons, and more!

Starting in Junior Kindergarten, students experience a thorough grounding with physical education, creative movement, visual art, drama, and vocal and instrumental music as a regular part of their time at school. Extracurricular experiences such as recreational team sports are also available.

In the spring, we asked several students in the final grade of Beasley to describe their Lower School experience. Read what they had to say below!

Finn F. ’30, started at Beasley in SK (Senior Kindergarten) and shared, “I started [SK] by not knowing much stuff and not knowing anyone, but now over the years, I have learned a bunch of things and have made a bunch of new friends!”

Max T. ’30, started at Beasley in JK and said, “When I was in JK, I was kind of running around a lot and not really paying attention to school. But now, I am paying attention more and I am learning better than when I started.”

Ashna J. ’30, started at Beasley in second grade. She reflected, “I’m more open and, of course, I’ve learned a lot in all the classes. Before, I didn’t really talk a lot at my other school; now, I talk more to people and I have more friends.”

Eloise D. ’30, started at Beasley in JK and stated, “I’m more independent. I was very shy. I could not talk in front of my class and answer a question, so now I’m not as shy and I can speak in big crowds and stuff.”

Students thrive with individualized attention. Along with our expert teachers in the homerooms and specialist classrooms, Beasley also has its own counselor, learning specialist, and literacy coordinator who collaborate with our homeroom teachers to support students as needed. Our teachers and staff meet students where they are and work with them to become the best version of themselves.

Ronald S. Beasley, an Englishman, and his wife, came to St. Louis in the fall of 1949  to become the headmaster of Mary Institute. He had a wonderful 20-year career at the school and was much beloved by many. Towards the end of his tenure, he and the board began researching making the grades JK – 4 a coeducational experience for boys and girls. What had been the Mary Institute kindergarten and primary grades became the Ronald S. Beasley School. Mr. Beasley had retired at the end of 1968-1969 school year and planned to retire to Connecticut. Sadly, he passed away before he moved. The Beasley school opened in the fall of 1969 and has been going strong since, affectionately honoring Ronald S. Beasley.

Open House is a perfect time to experience some of what MICDS has to offer and to get some of your additional questions answered. RSVP to Open House here!

As you have more questions, please contact Kimberly Saur, the Associate Director of Admission – MICDS Lower School. Her contact information is below:

• ksaur@micds.org
• 314.995.7422

Additionally, our entire Admission team is delighted to help answer any questions. Meet the whole Admission team here.

Best wishes for your search!