Kennard Classical Junior Academy is located on Potomac in South City behind Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. According to many a city resident it is the Creme de la Creme of St. Louis City’s public magnet schools. (A Magnet School is a St Louis Public School without a neighborhood boundary–meaning it is free and a student does not have to live near the school in order to attend. In total there are 23 specialty schools under the Magnet umbrella. Each Magnet school has a different focus: technology, law, international, arts or gifted). Kennard’s mission is to “meet the unique academic and affective needs of the gifted and talented student….In 2009, Kennard CJA was recognized as one of the fifteen high-performing elementary schools in the state of Missouri and was granted Missouri’s Gold Star School distinction.” From Kennard elementary students move on to McKinley Classical Leadership Academy and then to Metro Academic and Classical High School.
Kennard has pre-school classes through 5th grade. There is one pre-school class, two kindergarten classes, two first grade classes, three second grade classes, three fourth grade classes and three fifth grade classes. To be accepted into Kennard the students must pass a test that measures IQ and aptitude. In addition to the test there is also a lottery because the number of applicants exceeds the number of available spaces. For details on the testing and application process visit www.slps.org or call the Recruitment and Counseling Center at 314.633.5200.
Tours of the school are given monthly on Mondays and Fridays at 930 and 1030. Appointments need to made at least 48 hours in advance. KennardTours@gmail.com
In talking with some of the Kennard parents I learned that there is a very structured approach to learning and that students are usually performing one grade level ahead of their actual grade. I asked the mom of one 2nd Grader what the weekly schedule was like. In addition to the regular subject her son had Spanish twice a week, Music once a week, Art once a week, Gym twice a week, Library and Science Lab–for these the child would change classrooms. In 2nd grade the students are also encouraged to take extracurricular activities. This could be Scouts, musical instruments, or chess club.
Kennard does have a loose uniform policy. I visited during the World Series (2011) so I saw a lot of red. But I was told that bottoms should be navy or khaki and tops could be white, navy or gold.
Textbooks are all online. There’s a buzzbook for parents to keep in contact with each other. I was told that most teachers are available daily via email regarding homework.The culmination of the Kennard experience for the student ends with a week at Camp Wyman in the Spring.
While a child does not have to live close to the school, children who live in the neighborhood are given priority as are children who already have siblings at the school.
Homes Near Kennard
5638 Oleatha: $215,000. 4 bed, 2 full baths. Over 2400+ square foot of living area that includes a partially finished walk-out lower level with a nice custom bar, great for entertaining! Updated kitchen that leads to a composite deck that overlooks the yard and garage. Extra concrete parking pad next to garage. Gas fireplace. Nice sized bedrooms upstairs with plenty of closet space. 200 amp electrical service. Newer A/C in ‘06. MAKE THIS YOUR HOME TODAY!
3801 January: $239,900. 3 bed, 3 full bath. bBuilt in bookcases in the Living Rm and the beautiful hardwood floors thru-out the entire main level. The kitchen has been updated. The dinning room/Breakfast room is very spacious and is open to the kitchen. The main full bath offers a shower/tub combo. The 3 bedrooms are nice size with plenty of closet space. The master bedroom has a completely updated bath w/a luxury feel & look. Finished lower level with ceramic tile floors, office space, play/hobby area, plenty of closet & storage space and a full luxury bath w/beautiful tile walls, floor & shower.
3125 Parc Ridge Lane: $445,000. 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. 2.5 story home has a foyer that opens to a stunning great room with a custom stone fireplace. Updated kitchen with stone-wrapped center island, walk-in pantry, glass back splash and custom cabinets. Hardwood floors, paint, custom window treatments, ceiling fans and much more. The second floor offers a family room, 2 large bedrooms, full bath, and laundry room. The master suite has dual walk-in closets, coffee bar, and bath. The next level offers even more living space with two additional bedrooms, full bath and another family area. The lower level is partially finished with a custom bar and bar stools. The level yard with deck, patio, newer fencing, beautiful landscaping will be the highlight of outdoor entertaining. An attached 2 car garage complete this picturesque home.
5734 Vera Ct: $899,900. 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Luxury living and grandiose entertaining with large living room, dining room, and billiard room. One of a kind picturesque setting in the heart of the city. Quality details and custom craftsmanship. Gourmet kitchen with granite, marble and high end appliances. Exceptional master suite with spa-like bath and large dressing room (21 x 8 feet). The entire home is filled with light and there are hardwood floors throughout. Additional amenities include a sound system inside and outside of the home, alarm system, 2 laundry areas, 2 fireplaces, a butler’s pantry, walkout basement and a 3 car oversize garage. The garage and patio were designed together to accommodate full service catering, music, entertaining.
