UCity Directory 2024

26 2024-25 | University City Community Directory SCHOOLS The School District of University City McNair Administration Building 7700 Olive Blvd. | University City, MO 63130 (314) 290-4000 | www.ucityschools.org Welcome to The School District of University City, a close-knit learning community with the “Heart of a Lion.” Rich in history, the District nurtures academic growth, creativity and leadership through its vision of Learning Reimagined. Learning Reimagined is a strategic plan that ensures all students in PreK - grade 12 are highly engaged in rigorous, relevant and modern learning experiences. It is built upon three pillars: PERSONALIZE learning, HUMANIZE relationships and PROBLEMATIZE through real-life problem-solving. Student learning establishes clear connections to future college education opportunities and a variety of professional career and trade paths. In 2023-24, our students were offered more than $10 million in scholarships and invitations to attend prestigious colleges across the country and closer to home. Because of our strong relationships with St. Louis’ community of higher education, University City High School students can earn college credits that give them a head start of up to two years toward a four-year degree. Others have opportunities to enter high-paying jobs right out of high school in fields like technology, construction arts, coding and emergency medical technology. Cultivating powerful partnerships and opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, Learning Reimagined intentionally leads each child to become a student of the world. Research shows that meaningful teacher relationships, coupled with rigorous and relevant instruction, accelerate academic performance. The District dedicates significant professional development time to help staff and teachers build and leverage quality relationships that motivate students to excel. Under its SEEAL method (Social, Emotional, Equitable and Academic Learning), instructional content and student experiences are balanced to promote social- emotional well-being, equity and academic growth. “The ultimate goal is to ensure our ability to graduate college- and career- ready young adults who will immediately become valued members of our world community,” said Superintendent Sharonica L. Hardin- Bartley, Ph.D., PHR. “U. City Schools have maintained high standards for educational excellence for more than 100 years; all the while drawing inspiration from a community steeped in continued on page 28 As part of orientation, new District staff took some “U Time” for a motor coach tour including visits to all U. City schools. Based on DESE’s 2024 Annual Performance Report, U. City students show notable individual growth in performance and are #1 for math growth in the St. Louis region and top 3 percent in the state.