St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS) is a regional "stand-out" as U.S. News & World Report ranks SLLIS as the #1 charter elementary school in Missouri in 2024. SLLIS is unlike any other school in the region providing FREE dual language immersion education in three target languages- French, Spanish and Chinese-for PK through 8th grade students in St. Louis City.
SLLIS implements the Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model, which is a structured way to provide rigorous dual language instruction at the elementary level. The philosophy of this model is to provide instruction in two languages at a "gifted and talented" level of rigor to all students, therefore putting students on the path to academic biliteracy.
Our purpose: To dismantle systems of oppression by creating a just, equitable and inclusive school, St. Louis community, and world.
Our Values:
Provide an accessible and rigorous bilingual education
Listen to and engage all voices
Commit to equity, anti-racism and cultural competency
Reflect on and respond to data throughout our school
Celebrate mission moments, both big and small
Our priorities:
We continue to expand our Middle School Program and need to ensure we have ample resources and curriculum materials in French, Spanish, and Chinese, especially in SLLIS' library.
We are growing our dual language program at the Pre-kindergarten level and will continue to improve our facility to support it.
We are highly focused on early literacy and social/emotional learning and need materials to support this very important learning.
We continue to build an after-school sports program featuring Cross country, basketball and soccer to enhance students' access to outdoor learning, play and sportsmanship. We are growing our "Bridge to French Program" for students entering grades 2-5. We are continuing to build an alumni engagement program.
St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS) provides a bilingual, culturally responsive, transformational education that enriches the children of St. Louis City.
SLLIS is the only nonprofit, public charter school in the St. Louis region that provides dual language immersion education for Pre-K through 8th grade students in French, Spanish, and Chinese.
SLLIS currently serves 515 PK through 8th grade students. 85% of students qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch. All St. Louis City residents are eligible to attend and receive this world class education for FREE. SLLIS provides FREE busing for all students to and from school. SLLIS recruits globally to ensure highly qualified teachers capable of delivering world-class instruction. SLLIS' staff hail from 20 different countries across five continents, speak a total of 15 languages and 53% of staff members identify with a race other than white. 38.3% identify with the ethnicity category "Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin".
SLLIS is a regional stand-out. In 2024, it was reported by U.S. News & World Report that St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS) ranked No. 1 in Missouri among the 2024 Best Charter Elementary School rankings. The rankings include more than 79,000 public elementary and middle schools across the country. Schools are ranked at the state and district level, with Best Charter Schools and Best Magnet Schools ranked as stand-alone categories. SLLIS also ranked No. 2 in Missouri among charter middle schools. “SLLIS’ #1 rank in elementary charter schools and #2 rank in charter middle schools in Missouri demonstrates SLLIS’ commitment to excellence and high growth for all its students,” says Dr. Meghan Hill, SLLIS Superintendent.
The methodology focuses on state assessments of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts while accounting for student backgrounds, achievement in core subjects, and how well schools are educating their students. Student-teacher ratios are applied to break ties in the overall score.
The 2024 Best Elementary and Best Middle Schools rankings are based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education. For district-level rankings, at least two of the top performing schools must rank in the top 75% of the overall elementary or middle school rankings to qualify for district-level recognition.
Student growth remains exceptionally strong. Using informed improvement's MAP Predictor tool for 2025 data (which analyzes six recent STAR and MAP testing cycles for grades 3-8):
Reading growth: More effective that 99% of schools nationally.
Math Growth: More effective than 78% of schools nationally.
On the 2025 MAP assessment, SLLIS earned its highest APR score since before the pandemic.
Organization name
St. Louis Language Immersion School
Tax id (EIN)
33-1183274
Mission/Purpose
Education, Education - Early Childhood, Education - K-12
Operating Budget
Giant: $5,000,001 and above
Service Area
St Louis City
Audiences Served
Children, Youth, Families
Address
1881 Pine Street