Traditions

For more than a century, many beloved traditions have been established at The Wilson School that continue to this day.  From our special Grandparents’ Day event and Halloween Parade to the Sixth Grade Graduation, a milestone celebrated by the entire school, these events and activities are a key part of the Wilson experience for our families.

History

Now in our 106th academic year, The Wilson School has been providing children from throughout the St. Louis region with an exceptional education. We pledge to continue that tradition of innovation in elementary education for the next 100 years.

• Located initially in the 5100 block of Westminster Place, the school moved in 1917 to the 5400 block of Delmar Boulevard.
• Upon Miss Wilson’s death in 1924, the school was led by Elise Beck, who added three primary grades to the school.
• In 1958, Jane Breckner succeeded Miss Beck as headmistress. Two years later, Mrs. Breckner moved the school to its current location at 400 DeMun Avenue in the designated historic Ellenwood neighborhood of Clayton. The noted architect William B. Ittner designed the building.
• During Mrs. Breckner’s tenure, The Wilson School became a fully accredited member of the Independent School Association of the Central States.
• In 1968, The Wilson School Corporation, a not-for-profit tax-exempt organization governed by a Board of Trustees, was formed. In 1970, the Breckners sold the school to The Wilson School Corporation and its Board of Directors.
• The Board appointed Verna Stassevitch, a well-respected music teacher, as headmistress in 1974.
• In 1991, The Wilson School underwent its first addition to the historic building, adding 50 percent more space on two levels.
• Upon Miss Stassevitch’s retirement in 1994, Dr. Eugene D. Ruth, Jr. was appointed headmaster. Under his leadership, the historic old section of the school underwent significant remodeling.
• The school underwent its second significant addition and renovation in 2004. The results included a full reorganization of the lower level, incorporating a new art room, science lab, and foreign language classroom. In addition, Wilson added a new lunchroom, library, technology lab, gymnasium, and field-turf soccer field/ playground.
• In 2006, Mr. Thad Falkner, former Wilson teacher and administrator, followed Dr. Ruth as head of school.
• Also in 2006, Hal Faught, grandfather of two Wilson alumni, and his wife Catherine set up a $2,000,000 trust fund to establish the Excellence Program. The program is a dollar-for-dollar matching fund that supports professional development for Wilson faculty and additions to the library, as well as innovative programming for our students.
• In 2012, construction began on the latest school renovation, which included adding a state-of-the-art Innovation Room in the 4,000 plus sq. ft. crawl space under Stassevitch Hall, as well as significantly expanding the library and foreign language room.
• The Wilson School kicked off its Centennial Celebration in 2012 as it entered its second century of preparing children to be lifelong learners.

The history of The Wilson School is documented in this beautiful book written by former Head of School, Dr. Eugene Ruth.  Click here to order the book.