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Metropolitan School was founded on the belief that all children can and will succeed in school when an appropriate educational environment is provided. This basic premise remains the underlying tenet upon which all programming and services are structured. The School is dedicated to providing a highly individualized educational experience for middle and senior high school students whose potential has not been recognized and/or meaningfully challenged in traditional school settings.

Our school program is specifically designed to meet the special needs of atypical learners. In anticipation of and response to differences in student readiness, skill levels, interest, and learning styles a blend of whole class, group and individual instruction is provided within a structured, supportive environment which promotes a strong sense of belonging. Fundamental to Metropolitan’s program is personalized, student-centered instruction, achieved through small class settings (9:1 student-teacher ratio) and instructional methods which accommodate an array of skill levels and a variety of learning styles.

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We encourage academic practices which are responsive to the needs of diverse learners.

We believe in openly accepting, respecting, and encouraging the uniqueness and worth of each individual.

We believe that students will experience learning as interesting, challenging and relevant when they are taught how to study and learn effectively based on their unique needs and strengths.

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The purpose of Metropolitan School is to provide successful school experiences for atypical learners who are not achieving their full potential in traditional settings. The School specializes in educating adolescents in grades 5-12 who have learning disabilities, attention deficits, affective disorders (depression, bi-polar disorder) related adjustment problems and/or other atypical learning styles.

In order to provide for the special needs of children facing such adversity, a small group of parents founded The Metropolitan School for Individual Instruction, Inc. in 1967. After several building additions and moves to increasingly larger facilities, the school moved to its present location in 1988. Now known as Metropolitan School, this program delivers the specialized curriculum and personalized instruction necessary for special needs students to succeed in school. In addition to its unique and comprehensive educational services, Metropolitan continues to provide a positive, nurturing environment which promotes self-esteem and an appreciation for individual differences.

Since 1967, Metropolitan School has been setting the standard in education for children who learn differently. The school has remained committed to providing our community with a model program for adolescents with special learning needs.

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Because of inherent obstacles to elevated student morale, Metropolitan School’s program emphasizes the positive in academic and interpersonal skill development. It provides the students with social skills training and instruction in how to learn, given their specific learning style. As students experience a series of small but significant academic and social successes, and as they understand the limits and benefits of their unique learning styles, they begin also to understand the significance of their own character development. The program is designed to enhance self-esteem/self-confidence and to encourage student involvement and engagement in the process of learning.
 
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Metropolitan School is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit agency, incorporated as such in 1967. The school is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Metropolitan is a member of the Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL), Missouri Independent School Association, Missouri Middle School Association and the National Dropout Prevention Network. Other affiliations include the Missouri Council for American Private Education.
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Jeff Markway
President
 
Roger Koch
Vice President
 
Herman Rapert
Treasurer
 
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David Bentele
H. Pharr Brightman
Michael Chiodini
Mike Flaton
Judy Frieberg
Marianne Hockenhull
Abraham Phillips, M.D.
Linda Roos
 
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Rita Buckley
Executive Director

Judi Thomas
Head of School

Catherine Pilant
Dean of Students

Nancy SmithDirector of Admissions and
Family Resources
Cassandra Cooke
Director of Institutional Advancement
Nancy Williams
Business Manager
Fred Adam
Upper School Science
Yolanda Campbell
Upper School Mathematics
Anne Dollard
Middle School English, Mathematics and Science
Matt Gibson
Upper School Physical Education and Health
Middle School Physical Education and Health
Michael Hill
Upper School Social Studies
David Kilstrom
Upper School Communication Arts
Middle School Communication Arts
Carol Simeoli
Upper School English
Laura Rohrer
Upper School Fine Arts
Middle School Fine Arts
Lauren Harrison
Transition Coordinator
Kristin Reeder
Learning Strategist
Mark Middendorf
Program Assistant
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Experienced staff members from Metropolitan are available to speak to your school, agency, or for special events. We have over thirty years of experience serving adolescents who have learning disabilities, attention deficits, or other atypical learning styles. Programming includes:
   
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  In-Service Workshops
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  Consultative Services
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Programs are available in full-day, half-day, and two hour formats. Please schedule workshops at least two months in advance.
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7281 Sarah Avenue ·Maplewood, MO 63143
Phone: (314) 644-0850) · www.metroschool.org