School Blog
Growing Together: How SCCS Teachers Invest in Professional Excellence
At South City Community School, learning isn't just for students. It's a lifelong pursuit for our teachers, too. Each Wednesday, SCCS begins the school day one hour later, creating dedicated time for teachers and staff to come together for professional development, collaboration, and intentional growth. This weekly late start is more than a scheduling adjustment. It's an investment in the people who shape our students' educational experiences every day and an important part of our commitment to providing a thoughtful, enriching Charlotte Mason education. A Shared Commitment to Professional Excellence At SCCS, our teachers are guided by a set of Characteristics of Professional Excellence, which reflect our Christian mission, Charlotte Mason philosophy, and commitment to a robust learning experience. These shared principles help shape classroom experiences, strengthen relationships, and encourage… Read More
Chapel at SCCS: Learning to Know God, Love His Word, and Pray
Each week at South City Community School, our school community gathers for chapel. Students, teachers, faculty, and parents come together in The Journey sanctuary for a time of singing, teaching, and worship. Sometimes we hear from a guest speaker or member of our faculty. Other weeks, a classroom takes the lead, with students sharing a thoughtful and creative presentation connected to our yearly chapel theme. Chapel is one of the ways we live out something central to who we are as South City Community School: community. Why Chapel Matters SCCS is a school where Christian faith informs the life of our community and all that we do. Motivated by our faith commitments, our faculty and staff share a desire to serve families in the City of St. Louis through a… Read More
Renewal Takes Root: Growing Beauty Together in the City
A Fresh Welcome to Our Campus If you've driven past South City Community School this summer, you may have noticed something new taking shape. The aging garden beds that have welcomed students and families for years have been thoughtfully rebuilt, creating a fresh and beautiful entrance to our campus. While the new landscaping certainly enhances our school, what makes these gardens truly special is the story behind them. Over several days this summer, volunteers from Greentree Church worked alongside members of the SCCS staff to remove old materials, rebuild each garden bed, and prepare them to flourish for many years to come. It was hard work, accomplished through willing hands, joyful service, and a shared commitment to investing in our school and our city. This project also marks an exciting… Read More
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week at South City Community School
Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time at South City Community School—a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible educators who make our school a place of purpose, joy, and meaningful learning for students from preschool through 8th grade. Intentionally located near Tower Grove Park, our school is more than a place of academics—it’s a community rooted in faith, curiosity, and the formation of the whole child. And at the center of it all are our teachers. Faith That Shapes the Classroom Our teachers are deeply committed to an education that points a child to Christ. As a Christian, Bible-believing school, our educators don’t just teach Scripture—they bring it alive for each child. Their love for God and His word flows naturally into the classroom, guiding students to understand… Read More
Habit Formation: A Charlotte Mason Foundation
Early elementary education is a critical season for habit formation. During these years, children are not only learning math, writing, and reading skills — they are developing daily, personal patterns of responsibility, cleanliness, self-discipline, and care for their environment that will shape their future experience of the world. Charlotte Mason believed that education is, in large part, the formation of habits. Through gentle consistency and thoughtful guidance, children learn habits such as careful attention, respectful communication, persistence, and organization. They practice caring for their materials, keeping their spaces orderly, and taking responsibility for their actions. These small, daily rhythms build confidence and independence. Rather than rushing children toward performance, a Charlotte Mason approach emphasizes steady, intentional growth. When strong habits are established early, they become second nature and support students… Read More