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District Recognitions

Distinctions and Recognitions

The Ladue School District is widely recognized as one of the premier public school districts in the nation, whether it be for the caliber of the teaching, the hard work and character of our students and staff, or for transparent and conscientious district management.

  • In 2026-27, Niche names the Ladue School District among the Best School Districts to work and attend school.
  • LHWHS was awarded a 2026 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, and was among a select group of schools nationwide to receive this prestigious honor. This recognition celebrates institutions that reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and provide effective environmental education.
  • According to Niche, all Ladue School District elementary schools rank in the top 1% of Missouri's 1,205 public elementary schools. 
  • The district has earned the prestigious “Distinction in Performance” Award from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) each year the award has been given since 2001.
  • In 2026, 17 LHWHS students were named National Merit Semifinalists.
  • The district holds a AAA rating from Standard and Poor’s and is one of the few public school districts in Missouri, and one of less than 100 in the nation, to hold this designation.

For more information about the district’s recognitions or to peruse recent initiatives and historical milestones, visit the District History page.

National District and Schools of Character

The Ladue School District has been named a National District of Character (2019), along with five of its schools being named National Schools of Character by The Character Education Partnership. The Character Education Partnership is a national advocate and leader for the character education movement. The National Schools of Character program recognizes schools that have demonstrated the use of character education and development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and school climate.

  • Old Bonhomme Elementary School (2026)
  • Ladue Early Childhood Center (2024 and 2019)
  • Spoede Elementary School (2020)
  • Ladue Middle School (2019 and 2014)
  • Reed Elementary School (2025 and 2018)

Missouri District and Schools of Character

The following have earned distinction as Missouri Schools of Character. The program is conducted by CHARACTERplus, a division of Cooperating School Districts, and is the most rigorous award process in the field of character education in Missouri.

  • Old Bonhomme Elementary School (2026 and 2013)
  • Ladue School District (2019)
  • Spoede Elementary School (2011)
  • Ladue Middle School (2019 and 2012)
  • Ladue Early Childhood Center (2024 and 2019)

Gold Star Schools

The Missouri Gold Star Program recognizes schools whose students achieve at very high levels or schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap. The program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. 

  • Old Bonhomme Elementary School (2004-05 and 1991-92)
  • Reed Elementary School (2022-23 and 2004-05)
  • Conway Elementary School (2024-25, 2018-19, 2006-07, and 2002-03)

Blue Ribbon Schools

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes: 1) schools whose students achieve at very high levels, or 2) schools making significant progress in closing achievement gaps among different groups of students. The Program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement.

  • Reed Elementary School (2023)
  • Conway Elementary School (2019 and 2007)
  • Old Bonhomme Elementary School (2004 and 1991)
  • Spoede Elementary School (1987)
  • Ladue Middle School (East Ladue Jr. High School) (2015 and 1983)
  • Ladue Horton Watkins High School (1982)

Louie Awards

The Gateway to Success Foundation, in partnership with the PRiME Center at Saint Louis University, established “The Louies” to recognize public and charter schools demonstrating the highest year-over-year student growth. Winners were selected based on the Missouri Growth Model, which measures learning gains over a three-year period.

  • Reed Elementary (2026 - Math and ELA)
  • Spoede Elementary (2026 - Math)

National Green Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education honors a select group of schools nationwide, recognizing institutions that reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and provide effective environmental education.

  • Ladue Horton Watkins High School (2026)

Missouri Exemplary Professional Learning Communities School

Professional Learning Communities Exemplary Schools are honored for their outstanding performance in implementing the professional learning community process. These schools promote cultures focused on learning with collaborative teams and effectively using data to increase student achievement. 

  • Reed Elementary School (2014)

Promising Practices

Character.org’s Promising Practices distinction celebrates innovative, effective, and replicable programs that cultivate a culture of character and belonging and align with Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools.

  • Conway Elementary (2025, 2026)
  • Ladue Early Childhood (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Ladue Fifth Grade Center (2018, 2026)
  • Ladue Horton Watkins High School (2018, 2020)
  • Old Bonhomme Elementary (2018)
  • Reed Elementary (2023)
  • Spoede (2024)