Lafayette Academy is a fine academy – one of the finest.
— Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College
We’re Breaking Away From Modern Education
We are a private K-12 school in Lake St. Louis, MO dedicated to classical education and promoting superior educational results. Classical education values knowledge for its own sake. It upholds the standards of logic, beauty, truth, and goodness intrinsic to the liberal arts. The word liberal comes from the Latin word liber, meaning “free”. The liberal arts set the mind free. Free and independent thought requires virtue to be fully maximized. This liberal arts education prepares students to assume their place as responsible citizens and contributors in their communities.
What Makes Us Unique?
- Teaching HOW to think, not WHAT to think
- Content-Rich Curriculum
- Teacher-Led, Low Tech Classrooms
- Explicit Phonics and Literacy
- Intensive Study of Grammar
- Use of Primary Source Documents
- Reading of the Great Books
- Cursive Writing
- Study of Latin Beginning in Sixth Grade
The Pillars on Which We Stand
Academic Excellence
Learning at Lafayette Academy is based on a timeless curriculum which uses a rigorous, content-rich, liberal arts program.
Virtue and Character Education
We nurture strong character and virtue in our students. Our four classical virtues of prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude are taught, modeled, and expected by everyone in the Lafayette community.
Love of America and Community
Our students develop a deep understanding of the American Founding, American history, American government, and what it means to be a good American citizen.
Curriculum
Our program establishes a strong foundation in fundamental subjects with steady movement towards mastery, ensuring that students are equipped with intellectual, moral, and civic preparedness, regardless of their future careers or aspirations.
Character Education
Classical Education provides students with the foundation to live a principled life. Equally as important as our quest for academic rigor and excellence is our pursuit of virtuous character in our young men and women.
Extracurriculars
Lafayette Academy provides many opportunities for students to excel outside of the classroom through a robust and diverse offering of afterschool clubs, activities, and athletics.
How it works?
Schedule a Tour or Attend an Open House
Schedule a Shadow Day
Apply and Enroll
About
Lafayette Academy provides a traditional education that upholds the high standards of teaching, curriculum, virtue and character, and discipline found in the schools of old – going back to the Greeks and Romans, the Medieval Period, the Renaissance, and the early American period. It is commonly called Classical Education.
How To Interview A School: Part 1
5 Essential Questions to Ask
Choosing the right school for your child is as important as picking the right home or car. It’s essential to ensure they’re in a safe and joyful environment that maximizes their potential. This process doesn’t have to be stressful—asking the right questions can make it simple. For more guidance, download our ebook.
What Parents Are Saying About Lafayette Academy
Our son comes home in a great mood every day because he is now proud of the work that he is doing. [Lafayette] has reignited his excitement to learn, and that is largely because the faculty challenges him and encourages him to be excellent. He feels rewarded because his days in the classroom are focused on education, and he isn’t given the opportunity to become distracted by student drama. He also finds the whole experience to be fun! Before he felt like a drop in the ocean, but now he is the captain of his own ship!
[Our daughter] has grown leaps and bounds…[we] see her light just pouring out of her when she comes home each day. We can tell she just loves and enjoys school so much. What an incredibly vibrant atmosphere you are teaching these kids in and they, in turn, radiate and respond back.
So far this year, my kids have memorized the Gettysburg Address, done incredible artwork, improved their reading ability, and so much more. They are truly growing as scholars and as people. We are so pleased with the education they are receiving at Lafayette Academy.