John Burroughs School, proudly serving students in grades 7-12 since 1923, stands as an inclusive and exceptional college preparatory day school. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, John Burroughs School is distinguished by its commitment to fostering a unique learning environment based on the principles established by its founders. These enduring objectives include a blend of informality, a strong sense of community service, and cherished traditions like morning assembly and family-style lunch, all designed to bring the school community together on a daily basis.
John Burroughs School Logo: Crest featuring school name and founding year, symbolizing academic excellence and tradition
The faculty at John Burroughs School are truly world-class, boasting an average of 21 years of teaching experience, with an impressive 78% holding advanced degrees. These dedicated educators are passionate about engaging with students both inside and outside the classroom, creating an atmosphere that nurtures independence while providing tailored academic and personal support for each student. John Burroughs School is deeply committed to instilling a lifelong joy of learning through active participation, upholding integrity in all endeavors, and emphasizing the importance of service to others.
The school actively cultivates an inclusive community that values and learns from the diverse perspectives of its members. John Burroughs School embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and champions a culture of high expectations, teaching empathy and the transformative power of service. Offering a balanced and broad educational experience is paramount, ensuring students are well-rounded and prepared for future success. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are not just ideals but are woven into the very fabric of the John Burroughs School experience, recognized as essential components of educational excellence.
Faculty, parents, and students at John Burroughs School share a unified commitment to a liberal arts education that thoughtfully balances academics, arts, athletics, and a wide array of extracurricular activities. Ethics, diversity, student government, technology, outdoor education, and diverse international programs are all given significant emphasis. The school’s size, with a maximum enrollment of 660 students and an average of 110 students per grade, is deliberately maintained to foster a close-knit community. Students have the opportunity to participate in approximately 70 student-run, faculty-sponsored activities, ranging from clubs like Animal Allies to academic pursuits such as Mock Trial. Reflecting its broad appeal, the current seventh-grade class at John Burroughs School represents 32 different schools and 35 zip codes, with 46% identifying as students of color, highlighting the school’s commitment to diversity. Admission to John Burroughs School is a comprehensive process that considers school records, recommendations, an entrance examination, and a personal interview, with personal qualities being a key factor in the selection process. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, 25% of Burroughs students receive tuition aid, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent qualified students from applying.
