Special Services for Students
The School District of University City offers a variety of special services to help students learn, including Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Special School District (SSD) services.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program provides educational opportunities for identified high-achieving students in all grades. Students who receive services through the GATE program excel at a high rate and receive accelerated and enriched curriculum while addressing each students educational needs. For more information about GATE, click here or talk with your child's teacher or principal.
Special School District (SSD)
Special School District (SSD) partners with school districts to provide students with disabilities in St. Louis County individualized educational and/or support services. The majority of students receive services in their own district as SSD teachers are housed in more than 265 public schools to academically assist students. Additionally, SSD operates two technical education facilities – South Technical and North Technical High Schools. These schools host more than 30 programs in the technical field, from precision machining to health sciences. Programs are offered to 10th-12th grade St. Louis County students. More information about SSD is available at www.ssdmo.org.
SSD's Parent Advisory Council designates parent representatives for each school district. Shelley Shray, the University City parent representative to SSD, works with the Office of Student Services to coordinate and publicize additional resources for parents of students with special needs. The School District of University City hosts periodic parent information nights and informal parent-to-parent coffees for parents to discuss topics of interest with other parents whose children receive SSD services. For more information, contact Shelley Shray at 314-863-1918 or sshray@sbcglobal.net.
The District has two SSD area coordinators, one for elementary students and one for secondary students. Parents with questions at the elementary level may contact Carla Ezell, 314-989-8198 or cezell@ucityschools.org. Parents at the secondary level may contact Dr. Stephanie Berry, 314-989-8289 or sberry@ucityschools.org.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is an instructional program for eligible students in grades K-12 whose first language is something other than English. Certified teachers assist students during classroom instruction in learning English with the ultimate goal to become proficient in language and literacy development.
