Our History
Providence was the first classical Christian school in St. Louis, and remains the only PreK-12 classical Christian school in the city.
Providence is proud to be part of the recovery and resurgence of classical education that has taken hold over the past few decades. In some ways, our history stretches back all the way to the ancients of the classical world whom we study, and from their approach to education, which was later refined and advanced as Christianity took hold in the Mediterranean world. We see ourselves as a school which follows in that rich tradition of Western thought and education, uncovering the light of the Great Conversation, and equipping our students to carry that fire to future generations.
Our Past
Opening our doors in September 1994 with seven students, two classrooms, one office, and five part-time teachers, Providence became the first classical Christian school in St. Louis. Providence’s founders sought a deeper and more challenging curriculum than either private or public schools had to offer. They wanted their children to read from the original authors of the great books. They wanted their children to be challenged in ways that would develop their character and give them a faith deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. As they came to understand classical education they saw the parallel to their own desires for the education of students at Providence and therefore incorporated the classical methodology into the school’s curriculum. As the demand for classical Christian education grew, in 1998 Providence added a lower school (K-6th) to the existing upper school (7th-12th.)
Our Present
From 2001–2024, the school was located in South County St. Louis, leasing space from a local church. In June 2024, the school moved five miles east to our Buckley Road campus, which includes three buildings, a gym, and expansive grassy areas—all for the primary use of the school. We hope to purchase this campus at the conclusion of our lease and have been making plans to that end.
Providence has grown to include more than twenty faculty and staff members. The current leadership seeks to continue the vision of building a well-rounded classical Christian school that the founders began.
Our Future
Providence is committed to continuing to offer affordable, high quality classical Christian education to St. Louis well into the future. We are excited to see Providence continue to grow, including purchasing our current campus home. We desire to become a resource to other schools seeking to recover the richness of the classical method and to cultivate leaders with deep Christian faith who can serve their families, churches, and communities in the coming generations. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless the work of Providence for years to come.
