Oldest secondary school west of the Mississippi River celebrates a century of academic excellence

Founded in 1818, St. Louis University High is hosting its Celebration of the Century and admissions open house on September 28.

St. Louis University High School (SLUH) stands as a beacon of leadership and academic excellence, not only in the St. Louis region but also on a national level. 

Consistently ranked among the top academic institutions, SLUH offers a rigorous curriculum that challenges students to excel in all areas of study, while its formational program molds students into “men for others”—a Jesuit philosophy that emphasizes moral and ethical development, in addition to viewing faith as an asset for academic and holistic growth.

Founded in 1818, SLUH has deep roots in the St. Louis community. As it approaches the celebration of 100 years at its Oakland Avenue campus, the school’s commitment to the city remains steadfast. 

Backer Centennial: 100 Years on Oakland

Celebrate 100 years with SLUH

On Saturday, September 28, SLUH will host its Celebration of the Century, featuring alumni reunions, its annual admissions open house (typically held in early November), and free festivities for kids, teenagers, and the whole family.

During the event, guests can also enjoy the Taste of SLUH, with alumni and community-owned restaurants providing food for purchase, as well as a variety of games, bounce-house activities, a petting zoo, crafts, and more. Special merchandise will also be available to commemorate the 100th anniversary, and guests will be able to enjoy self-guided, historical campus tours.

Courtesy of St. Louis University High
Courtesy of St. Louis University HighSLUHSeniorProject%20%281%29.JPG

Leaders in the community

SLUH’s urban location is more than a historical marker; it’s a vital part of the school’s identity. Through strategic partnerships with nearby local organizations, including the Saint Louis Science Center, Forest Park South, and St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, SLUH continues to play a pivotal role in the community, fostering opportunities that benefit both students and the wider public.

“We’re committed to being an anchor in the local community and in the city,” says Fr. Matthew Stewart, SJ, principal for the school and a 1998 graduate. “It’s evident in our capital campaigns, the partnerships we forge in this exciting corridor of the city, and the roughly 40,000 hours of service that our students dedicate every year.”

As a leadership school, SLUH is not just a place for academic learning but also a model institution for global education. The school’s formational program equips students with the tools needed to become leaders in their communities and beyond. This comprehensive approach to education prepares students to tackle the challenges of the modern world while staying true to the values instilled by their Jesuit education.

Courtesy of St. Louis University High
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Commitment to financial accessibility 

One of the defining features of SLUH is its commitment to accessibility. The school has a need-blind admission policy, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academically qualified students from attending.

Each year, SLUH provides more than $5 million in direct financial aid, supporting a diverse student body drawn from 185 middle schools across 91 ZIP codes. This robust financial assistance program not only makes SLUH a top choice for families but also underscores its dedication to providing quality education to a broad spectrum of students.

As SLUH looks toward the future, its role as an anchor in the city of St. Louis is more important than ever. With more than two centuries of history in the urban landscape, the school continues to invest in the community, reinforcing its position as a leader in both education and civic engagement. Through its ongoing commitment to excellence, accessibility, and service, SLUH remains a cornerstone of the city and a testament to the enduring power of education to inspire hope.


This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of St. Louis University High School. To learn more, visit sluh.org.