Clayton Child Center/Clayton Academy

Do yourself a favor if you have a little one and take a tour of this center. You won't find better ratios or more qualified teachers. My four year old has thrived since coming to the Center, and their pre-K program in truly unrivaled. Be aware that the pre-school moved to a new facility in 2009 so some of the older reviews about the school no longer apply. They have a great Spanish program and offer so many great activities for the kids. Definitely worth a look.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is overrated! Costs over $18,000 a year and I don't see where the money goes. The building is old, classes are outdated, old computers, no gymnasium, the list goes on... The principal is not friendly at all. She is only concerned with those who donate money to the school. The teachers are OK. The good thing is the student-teacher ratio. Other than that you are spending too much money on a school that's not worth it.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. My two year old thrives there. Worth every penny. They are by far the best preschool in St. Louis. I would recommend this school to anyone. We absolutely love this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Clayton Academy is a good school for a child with special learning needs. My daughter's teachers were caring, supportive and knowledgeable. The tuition is exceptionally high especially in comparison to other private schools in St. Louis. My main concern was the lack of responsiveness of the director. She appears to focus most of her energy and efforts on the preschool and pays little attention on the needs of the parents of the grade schoolers. I felt as if she was an absentee administrator. Overall, I would say that your child will get a good eduation in a supportive and nuturing environment. As a parent you will feel neglected. The grade school is over priced for what is offered.
--Submitted by a parent

The parents gush, the community approves, the kids seem happy.I'm just not convinced. Unless the staff is getting paid unbelieveably well, I don't see where the tuition goes. The building is older and at a minimum needs some paint and updated plumbing. The classroooms and contents have seen better days. My child has no complaints and no harm done, but that is the least I should expect from an indepeddent school.
--Submitted by a parent