Understanding School Choice Dynamics in St. Louis: A Mixed-Methods Study of Parent Experiences and System Perspectives

Families in St. Louis navigate one of the most decentralized school choice landscapes in the United States, with options spanning district schools, charter schools, magnet programs, private and religious schools, and homeschooling. While this diversity of options expands potential opportunities for families, it also requires parents to independently navigate complex application processes, eligibility rules, transportation systems, and information sources across multiple sectors.