St. Louis Schools and Educators Recognized for Measurable Academic Progress at Education Awards 

St. Louis Educators Driving Academic Progress: Discover how schools in St. Louis are making significant strides in student achievement and school culture, recognized at The Opportunity Trust’s 2026 Spring Celebration & Awards at the Saint Louis Art Museum

The annual awards recognize clear examples of progress in areas like academics, literacy, math, leadership, governance, student success, and school culture. Images by Opportunity Trust

Event Recap

As Missouri continues to face statewide challenges in student proficiency and post-pandemic recovery, a growing number of St. Louis schools are demonstrating measurable gains in student achievement, school culture, and instructional performance.

On Wednesday evening, The Opportunity Trust recognized several of those schools, educators, students, school board members, and parent advocates during its 2026 Spring Celebration & Awards at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

The annual awards are designed to highlight concrete examples of progress across multiple areas of school performance — including academic growth, literacy and math proficiency, instructional leadership, governance effectiveness, student achievement, and school culture.

Together, this year’s honorees provide a data-informed snapshot of where progress is occurring across St. Louis schools and the conditions contributing to improved student outcomes.

“Tonight was about recognizing schools and leaders showing that stronger outcomes are possible when high expectations, strong instruction, effective leadership, and aligned support systems come together around students,” said Eric Scroggins, Founder and CEO of The Opportunity Trust. “These examples of progress not only reflect what is working for students today, but also help inspire greater progress across the region by proving what is possible when schools are equipped to succeed.” 

This year’s award recipients reflected several distinct indicators of progress emerging across the region:

• Gateway Science Academy High School and Maplewood Richmond Heights Elementary were recognized for proficiency rates outperforming state averages in Math and ELA, including strong results among Black students and students in the direct certification category.
• North Side Community School Middle School Campus at Grand Center and The Leadership School were recognized for leading student growth in math and reading.
• Momentum Academy Fox Park received the event’s culture champion recognition, highlighting the school’s results from strong staff engagement and school culture that is also leading to students’ academic success.
• BELIEVE Academy received the Pacesetter Award for demonstrating aligned progress across academics, culture, and organizational growth, including increased staff retention and a 94% average student attendance rate. 
• Teacher Destiny Baltimore of Premier Charter School was recognized for building a “proof-point classroom” where students demonstrated significant gains in both ELA and math achievement through disciplined, data-driven instruction.
• David Lemkemeier, Board Chair of KIPP St. Louis Public Schools, was recognized for strong governance toward increased accountability and leadership during an organizational transition, including leading the search for KIPP’s new superintendent. 

Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that sustainable progress requires strong governance, instructional consistency, transparent use of data, and long-term investment in educators and school systems.

Bishop Michael Jones, Pastor of Friendly Temple and a board member with The Opportunity Trust, spoke about the importance of expanding access to quality schools in communities that have historically faced limited educational options.

“For years, we’ve seen education deserts,” Jones said during the event. “So when I hear those numbers, I don’t just hear growth. I see families finally having access to safe schools where their children can learn and thrive.”

The event also highlighted broader progress connected to The Opportunity Trust’s work across the region, including $20 million invested across 11 schools through Charter School Program funding and the creation of more than 2,600 new quality school seats across Missouri.

The annual awards recognize clear examples of progress in areas like academics, literacy, math, leadership, governance, student success, and school culture. Images courtesy of Opportunity Trust

Leaders also pointed to the continued expansion of career-connected learning opportunities through Next Prep, a high school model that connects students to real employers, real experiences, and pathways to economic opportunity. Recently recognized with a What’s Right With the Region Award, the program’s first cohort of seniors will graduate this year, and the program is expected to expand to serve more students across St. Louis. The model is also drawing national attention through emerging partnerships with schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, exploring Next Prep as a model for career-connected learning.

Speakers also highlighted growing momentum around education transparency and accountability in Missouri, including proposed A–F school report cards intended to provide families and communities with clearer information about school performance.

While speakers acknowledged that significant work remains to ensure more students gain access to quality schools, the evening highlighted proof points of progress and the systems, leadership, and classroom practices that contribute to stronger student outcomes across St. Louis.

For more information, contact:  

Jordyn Elston, Associate Partner

jelston@theopportunitytrust.org

About The Opportunity Trust:

The Opportunity Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational equity and excellence. Through strategic investments, policy advocacy, and innovative programs, The Opportunity Trust works to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life. To learn more, visit theopportunitytrust.org.

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