ST. LOUIS — North Side Community School is the City of St. Louis’s longest operating charter school. Now, this gold winning school is preparing their students for their dreams. School might be out for the summer, but at North Side Community School, these kiddos are just getting started. This summer, the charter school is hosting ‘Olympians Academy.’ Kids compete for various medals for a variety of tasks with the hopes to push them toward greatness.
“We want to make sure that they believe that they can do these things whether it is to be in the Olympics one day or be the best scholar that they can be,” says Kyle Harris, School Culture Specialist.
A mission that goes beyond the Olympic Games, too!
“It really makes me feel proud to be a part of a community that is so supportive, open and caring,” says Michaela Cruse.
Michaela Cruse is one of the music teachers at North Side. She shares that a kid's development is more than hitting the perfect note.
“At the end of the school year this year, after ya know making many mistakes as all students, all teachers all humans do, a few of my students told me the thing that they learned the most in my class was that it is okay for them to make mistakes,” says Cruse. “And they did not know that.”
Because North Side not only focuses on academic excellence, but also nurtures the holistic development of each child.
“Students are human beings, they’re younger human beings but human beings who need connection and love and security and safety just like the rest of us, and without that no one will want to learn,” says Cruse.
The charter school does so through an emphasis on living needs and basic academic skills as well as after school activities like girls club, choir, gaming, and more. All these opportunities happen with a staff who cares.
“Staff here at North Side do a great job making our families feel heard, and making sure that their needs are met no matter what that is,” says Harris.
North Side uses smaller classroom sizes and gives teachers the chance to provide individualized instruction. From mental health services to free dentist visits or eye doctor appointments, North Side Community School cares for the entire child!
While this “Olympians Academy” might soon close their doors, the teachers and staff are excited to open their doors to new students this fall!
“We want to continue to teach and instill those foundational pieces. Whether it is our justice traits, whether it is our academics, whether it is our wellness, we want to continue to provide that for the students all over the city of St. Louis,” says Harris. “So, our doors are always open. We are always looking for more kids to inspire and those same kids inspire us as well. Come be a knight!”
The school is now open for enrollment for pre-kindergarten to 8th grade. Learn more by visiting here.
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