The St. Louis Public Schools District is comprised of 72 schools and approximately 25,000 students in the area surrounding SLU's campus. A majority of SLPS students are Black, and about 90% of the students qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program. 1 in 4 SLPS students is categorized as homeless for at least a portion of the year. The mobility rate in some of these schools is greater than 150% meaning that children are frequently moving to and from different schools.
Washington Montessori Elementary School, located 6 minutes away from SLU’s campus, implements the Maria Montessori Instructional method and high-quality research-based instructional practices to educate students Pre-K through 5th Grade. The school’s mission is to provide “rich academic and social learning opportunities in a nurturing environment that promotes peace, self-discovery, and a love for learning, while empowering all students to reach their greatest potential.” Overground will be partnering with Washington Montessori starting in the Spring of 2025!
Horace Mann Elementary is located 9 minutes away from SLU’s campus. It is a new school that Overground will be partnering with in the Fall of 2024 where tutors will be serving pre-school to 5th-grade students. The school was opened in 1901 and commemorates Horace Mann who is considered the “Father of American Education.” Overground members will be focusing their tutoring efforts on reading and math.
Ames Elementary, located about 15 minutes from SLU’s campus, is a Visual and Performing Arts School that teaches students to dance, music (both band and choir), drawing/painting, and drama, in addition to core subjects. The school’s mission is to develop “students’ intellect and creativity to their fullest potential.” Students range from grades pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, and tutoring specifically includes help with reading and math worksheets and homework.
Confluence Academies are a network of non-profit public charter schools that are sponsored by Saint Louis Public Schools. To provide a high-quality pre-collegiate education for students, it values providing students with experiences that require critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. Overground tutors volunteer at the Old North Campus, where students range from preschool to 8th grade. Tutors serve mostly elementary school students by providing supplemental instruction in math, English, and science topics.
Sigel Elementary, located about 10 minutes from SLU’s campus, aims to create a culture of excellence that inspires students to explore curiously, think rigorously, and act compassionately. Sigel hopes to cultivate SMARTS - Safe, Mindful Accepting, Responsible, Trustworthy, and Skilled students. Students range from Pre-K to 6th grade. Overground Railroad began tutoring with Sigel Elementary in the Fall of 2020. During the pandemic, Overground Railroad has tutored virtually and has worked with Sigel to overcome the difficulties of virtual learning. Tutors are now back to working in person and will be assisting students with topics that teachers see as best fit.
Yeatman-Lidell Preparatory Middle School, located about 15 minutes from SLU’s campus, focuses on fostering excellence in academic achievement, leadership, and character in order for the students to successfully complete post-secondary endeavors. Students range from 6th to 8th grade. The school's core values are preparation, leadership, respect, and academic excellence. Overground Railroad began tutoring with Yeatman-Lidell in the Spring of 2021. Overground tutors will be working with students to improve reading proficiency- a school-wide goal this past year.
Meramec Elementary School, just a short drive from SLUs campus, nurtures academic growth and character development so that every child is prepared to thrive in future educational pursuits. Serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade, the school embraces a community-centered approach grounded in the Meramec Five: Responsibility, Respect, Kindness, Cooperation, and Safety. Overground Railroad has recently began tutoring with Meramec in fall, 2025.