Touring a Charter School in St. Louis? Here’s What to Ask (and Why It Matters)

Apr 24

Choosing a school for your child isn’t just about academics - it’s about finding a place where they’ll feel safe, challenged, known, and inspired. We know how big this decision is. As educators, we understand that you’re not just looking for a building. You’re looking for a community.

If you’re considering a public charter school in St. Louis, attending a tour or open house is one of the best ways to truly get a feel for a school. Websites can tell you a lot, but walking the halls, meeting teachers, and seeing students engaged in learning? That’s when it clicks.

At Premier Charter School (PCS), located in the heart of South City, we believe in empowering the curious learner. We’re proud to serve Pre-K through 8th grade students on our 20 plus acre campus and we love welcoming new families in to see what makes our community special.

To help you make the most of your visit, here are some thoughtful questions you may want to ask:

1. What is the school’s teaching philosophy?

Every school approaches learning a little differently. Some are very traditional. Others are project-based. Some focus heavily on structure; others lean into exploration.

At PCS, our mission is simple but powerful: Empower the curious learner. That means we focus on the whole child — not just their academics, but also their social and emotional growth. From early childhood through middle school, we work to build confident, capable students who are ready for high school and beyond.

2. How does the school measure progress?

Grades matter, but student growth matters even more. Ask how teachers assess student progress and how often you’ll hear updates. Do they look beyond standardized tests? Are conferences meaningful and specific? At PCS, our teachers closely monitor individual growth and partner with families through regular communication and goal-setting conversations.

3. What supports are available if my child needs extra help, or extra challenges?

Every child learns differently. A strong school meets students where they are.

During your visit, ask about:

Intervention programs
Social and emotional support services
Enrichment opportunities

At PCS, we tailor support plans to ensure students who need extra help receive it and students who are ready for more are challenged appropriately.

4. What does school life actually feel like?

Academics are critical, but school culture and community matters just as much.

As you walk through a school, notice:

How students speak to teachers
How teachers respond to students
Whether classrooms feel calm and engaged

PCS serves Pre-K through 8th grade across our 20 plus acre campus. This allows students to grow within a consistent community while still having spaces designed specifically for their developmental stage. We’re especially proud to be recognized as a National School of Character, which reflects our commitment to student growth, building lasting relationships with our students, and ensuring they are ready for their next chapter when they leave PCS.

5. What are class sizes like?

Smaller class sizes often mean stronger relationships. Ask about student-to-teacher ratios in early childhood, elementary, and middle school. At PCS, we prioritize smaller classes because relationships are the foundation of great learning. When students feel known, they thrive.

6. What opportunities exist beyond academics?

School isn’t just about reading and math. Ask about:

Athletics
Clubs
Student leadership opportunities

At PCS, we offer extracurricular activities - often suggested and asked for by students, that encourage independence, teamwork, and leadership.

7. How does enrollment work?

Since charter schools are public schools, enrollment is tuition-free and non-selective.

PCS is one of many St. Louis public charter organizations working together to simplify the application process with SchoolAppSTL. If applications exceed available seats, students are admitted through a lottery process.

We encourage families to ask about:

Registration requirements, such as residency
Age cutoffs for Pre-K and Kindergarten
Before and After Care options
Daily schedules and the school calendar

Understanding the logistics upfront makes everything smoother later.

Ready to See PCS for Yourself?

As we stated at the beginning of this article, the best way to know if a school feels right is to step inside. We would love to welcome you to Premier Charter School and show you what learning looks like here! You can schedule a visit or ask our admissions team questions anytime by contacting admissions@premiercharterschool.org.

Below is our monthly tour schedule:

Early Childhood (Pre-K–2): Every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
Elementary (3–5): Second Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.
Middle School (6–8): Third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

Choosing a school is about more than checking boxes. It’s about finding a place where your child will be known, supported, and inspired. We hope to have the opportunity to show you why PCS is the best choice for your student.