11/03/25
Pacesetting Progress: Emerson Early Literacy Challenge Selects Four New Schools
Four St. Louis area schools —Friendly Academy, Gateway Science Academy of St. Louis–South Elementary, Maplewood Richmond Heights Early Childhood Center , and Moline Elementary – Riverview Gardens School District – have been selected to join the second cohort of the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge (EELC). The two-year initiative, backed by a combined $2 million from Emerson, aims to ensure more local children build a strong literacy foundation by third grade.
This next phase expands the Challenge across district and charter schools in St. Louis city and county, in a shared effort to close reading gaps and strengthen K–3 outcomes. Through funding, expert coaching, and literacy plans grounded in the Science of Reading, the initiative equips educators to help every child read on grade level.
A Growing Movement to Close Reading Gaps
St. Louis, like many communities across the country, faces persistent gaps in third-grade reading proficiency. The Opportunity Trust’s Emerson Early Literacy Challenge directly addresses this issue by combining financial resources, research-based practices, and expert coaching to ensure schools can adopt strategies proven to get students reading on grade level.
Grounded in the belief that literacy is a matter of justice/freedom and opportunity, the initiative aligns with the NAACP’s urgent call to action on literacy, ensuring that all children, regardless of their zip code, can read proficiently by the third grade. Like the first cohort, this second cohort represents both public charter and traditional district models, a testament to the cross-sector collaboration essential for closing reading gaps regionwide.
“Being selected for the challenge is a great opportunity to strengthen our literacy instruction and work alongside others with a common goal of making literacy a priority,” said Dr. Tanisha Stanciel, Principal of Maplewood Richmond Heights Early Childhood Center. “Being supported through the challenge relieves us of the stress of time and resources, allowing us to improve our literacy practices and support our teachers and students within our community.”
With Emerson’s support, each school will develop customized literacy plans alongside national experts, focusing on evidence-based strategies, teacher learning, and systems that ensure students receive effective instruction.
Building on Early Progress
The second cohort launches as the first group of EELC schools begins to put their literacy plans into practice. Cohort 1 has already shown how intentional planning and the right support can create momentum. Early results demonstrate that educators are not only embracing the new strategies and methods but also seeing stronger student engagement in reading instruction.
“By learning from Cohort 1, we can replicate what’s working well and introduce proven strategies in our classrooms. Cohort 2 will build momentum across the region by showing what’s possible when best practices are successfully implemented,” said Dr. Tesha Robinson, Founder and CEO of Friendly Academy.
“Being surrounded by like-minded people who care about children and literacy results, and actually taking the time to look at the results, is so promising to me,” said Dr. Christina Salmo, Dean of Literacy at Atlas Elementary, from cohort 1. “It re-sparks my joy and why I am in this work.”
Cohort 2 expands what’s possible when public schools work collaboratively to strengthen strategy and sharpen focus on research-aligned practices that advance literacy success for children.
“Literacy opens opportunities for our students to do and be anything they want in life. Understanding the historical inequities that exist in our country, and specifically in St. Louis, has been central to our passionate work around literacy,” said Amber White, Principal at Moline Elementary. “We believe we are game changers, knowing that what we do at Moline has the ability to alter the trajectory of a child’s life. We believe it is our role to be a leading force in our school district, growing professional practices and student learning beyond the walls of Moline, across Riverview Gardens.”
Why It Matters for St. Louis
Literacy is the foundation for academic success and lifelong opportunity. Without mastering foundational reading skills, children are more likely to struggle throughout school and in life. Missouri has taken important steps with Senate Bill 681, requiring schools to adopt evidence-based reading practices and engage families in the process. Inspired by the progress seen in Mississippi—where a statewide focus on early literacy led to dramatic gains in reading proficiency—the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge reflects what’s possible when schools receive the right support and resources to put proven practices into action.
“Our district is pre-k through 12th grade. Early literature is critical to get kids started on the right foot,” said Engin Blackstone, Superintendent of Gateway Science Academy. “When students build strong foundations in the early years, we see the results later in middle and high school, and beyond.”
Transforming literacy outcomes doesn’t happen overnight, but with Emerson’s renewed commitment and the dedication of these school teams, St. Louis is building momentum toward lasting change. Together, Cohorts 1 and 2 are proving what’s possible when schools and communities unite for children — showing that with the right tools, support, and instruction, every child can learn to read on grade level.
Stay engaged — follow The Opportunity Trust on LinkedIn to see how these efforts are transforming literacy outcomes.
A Successful Start: Emerson Early Literacy Challenge Kicks Off
Boosting Literacy: St. Louis Schools Take a Page from D.C.
Four Schools Selected for $1 Million Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Atlas Public School: Building a Culture of Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Atlas Public School: Building a Culture of Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Barbara C. Jordan Elementary: A Bold Commitment to Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Barbara C. Jordan Elementary: A Bold Commitment to Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Commons Lane Primary School: Closing the Reading Gap with the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Commons Lane Primary School: Closing the Reading Gap with the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Premier Charter School: A Commitment to Literacy Excellence in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge