The story of us.
St. Louis is a city rich in culture and diversity. It has a small, hometown feel with big-city opportunities. While there are many incredible attractions in the City of St. Louis, quality public schools haven’t always been among them.
Our vision was to change that. We created LPA because we believe St. Louis city residents should have excellent, comprehensive and free public education. Our school has always been a labor of love and a true, grassroots effort. Our close community is the heart of our students’ academic success, providing them with a place where they can excel and achieve their personal best.
Because students become critical consumers of knowledge and problem solvers, they are better prepared to make a positive impact on our community.

April 2023
LPA Celebrates 10 Years of Success
LPA celebrates its decade of educational excellence with a carnival. Students, families, alumni, community members, and more come to celebrate LPA!
March 2023
10 Year Charter Renewal
LPA celebrates 10 years of success and is renewed for another 10 years by the state board of education.
August 2021
LPA Full Grown
LPA is fully grown with over 400 students in grades K-8
July 2021
Leadership Transition
The founding Executive Director, Susan Marino, leaves LPA to become the director of charter schools at UMSL. Dr. Sarah Ranney is appointed as the new executive director after serving as the head of school for 7 years.
March 2021
Athletics Program Launches
LPA launches its first athletics program featuring Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Soccer, and Volleyball.
May 2020
First 8th grade Class
First class of 8th graders is promoted
January 2020
Middle School and Gym Expansion Completed
LPA finishes expansion of middle school and gymnasium
September 2016
Our First Middle School
LPA’s Middle School’s first year
July 2016
Our Forever Home
LPA moved to our forever home at 1900 Lafayette
July 2015
Moving to a new Location
LPA moved to 1881 Pine, while renovating our forever home
August 2013
The Doors are Open
LPA opened doors to 74 K-2 students, in Christ Church Cathedral on Locust
March 2012
New Head of School
Susan Marino hired as Head of School, UMSL agreed to sponsor LPA, and charter approved by DESE
March 2009
An Idea is created
Group of local parents and community members dreamed of starting a charter school with the purpose of supporting the continued revitalization of St. Louis City.
LPA’s story is more than dates on a timeline, though. Our story is that of a community that came together to build a school. We have worked alongside each other to make the dream a reality. Together, we have built a story of community and love of learning. We have achieved so much together; the future only holds more promise.