BELIEVE St. Louis Academy opened its doors on August 12th, 2024, marking a new chapter in education for St. Louis. The anticipation surrounding this day was high, with school leaders and the community eagerly awaiting the moment when students stepped into a place built on the promise of excellence and opportunity.

Inside BELIEVE, the staff work with dedication and precision, not just building a school but creating a supportive environment where every child is welcomed and encouraged to thrive. It’s about more than academics—it’s about fostering a community that uplifts and supports each student to reach their full potential.

“We’ve had parents involved and invested even before back-to-school time,” shared BELIEVE’s Principal Resident, Jawn Manning, with a proud smile. Over the summer, the school had already become a hub of activity, with 118 students participating in testing and registration and over 70 students engaging in summer programs – some enrolled at Harris-Stowe State University, already receiving college credit before starting 9th grade. Parents’ early involvement was a testament to the trust and excitement BELIEVE had already generated.

Despite the challenges facing St. Louis, including a declining population, BELIEVE has sparked something special. Already at full enrollment, families are choosing BELIEVE, recognizing the unique opportunity it represents.

“I am very pleased with their organizational skills thus far and their demand for excellence prior to school even starting,” said JP, a parent. “My children come from private schools, so this will be their first time in a public charter. I am very, very impressed with the expectations of rigor.”

As the first day of school drew closer, Pendleton reflected on the overwhelming support from the community. “It gives me chills,” she admitted. “They’re choosing us. And with you choosing us, we’re going to make sure we do everything we can to ensure this is a great experience for all.”

BELIEVE’s mission is clear: to create a positive and inclusive school culture where students thrive. From the moment they step through the doors, the students and parents are greeted with warm smiles, clear expectations, and classrooms filled with books and personal laptops, all designed to inspire a love for learning. Character development goes hand-in-hand with academic achievement, ensuring students are not just scholars, but well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

Character development goes hand-in-hand with academic achievement, ensuring students are not just scholars, but well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

“I don’t really know what I want to do after high school yet,” said Kamaria Yarbrough, a 9th grader at BELIEVE. “So I am looking the most forward to being exposed to different things.”

Accessibility is also a cornerstone of BELIEVE’s mission. The school offers free bus transportation for all students who opt-in, with routes covering the north, south, and central areas of the city. According to leaders, this service is BELIEVE’s commitment to equitable education for all students.

Parents shared this excitement. Angela Tabb, a parent at BELIEVE, expressed her enthusiasm, “It’s a new school in our city offering something different. The opportunity for my child to earn college credit hours or a certification before she leaves is awesome.”

Another parent, Kewania Yarbrough, echoed these sentiments, “It means everything to me. It gives the kids the opportunity to do something different. You’re not just going to school just to be going. You know that you might be doing college courses and things like this, so it gives them something to look forward to.”

As BELIEVE has now opened its doors, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the entire St. Louis community. “This is a school that welcomes community partnership,” Pendleton emphasized. “If you have an organization that likes to pour into young people, we would love to connect with you.”

With the opening of BELIEVE, the stage was set for something extraordinary, and everyone—students, parents, and the community— stands ready to be a part of this incredible journey.

Be part of the excitement as we celebrate the opening of BELIEVE and the promising future it brings to education in St. Louis! Don’t miss out—click here to learn more about BELIEVE and its transformative programs, and follow them on Instagram to stay connected.