With electives that range from medieval to modern topics, these schools are providing memorable learning opportunities for St. Louis students.
STEM Academy
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Westminster Christian Academy’s new STEM Academy offers ocean-discovery education, an aviation academy taught by a former military fighter pilot, and a medical track. The school is the only one in the world that has a license to grow Atlantic coral, making its ocean-discovery instruction a singular experience. “We are in the process of building our 400-gallon tank, harvesting our coral, and will grow [coral] on our premises,” says Christian Meeks, the school’s marketing and communications specialist.
3D Printing
Students at Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles are using 135-year-old architectural artifacts that have been found on their school grounds to create replicas on a 3D printer. There’s more to this project than simply tinkering with 3D designs, though. “They also plan to explore how this could be utilized within historic homes and spaces with a possible business,” says Lisa Tebbe, Academy of the Sacred Heart’s director of marketing and communications.
Medieval Arts
At Saint Louis Priory School, the medieval arts program allows students to delve into such subjects as history, mosaics, calligraphy, and stained glass. Students can also join the Guild of Saint Columkille, where they progress through a guild system—just as they would have in the 9th or 10th century—and learn about ancient art forms until they become a master. “Students learn the patience required to make anything excellent and receive help, as well as critiques from older craftsmen,” says instructor Mary Claire MacDonald. “They’re known and appreciated for the work they do and for the way they help one another.”
Anatomage Table
In late 2024, Duchesne announced that its anatomy and biology students would have access to a new tool that reimagines real-human-based medical education and better prepares kids for careers in the health care industry. Known as the Anatomage Table, the tool features life-size human bodies that have been donated to science and are displayed with 3D simulations for anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Students can use the table to hone their dissection, ultrasound imaging, and endoscopy skills. Duchesne anatomy teacher Glennis Ziegler says, “I have already incorporated it into my anatomy classes and can’t wait to do more.”
