On February 2, 2026, Conway Elementary was formally recognized as a Missouri Gold Star School, Missouri’s highest distinction for schools, during the Powerful Learning Conference in Osage Beach, Mo., celebrating the school’s continued excellence in teaching and learning.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Gold Star program recognizes schools whose students achieve at exceptionally high levels or make significant progress in closing achievement gaps. 

As part of that enhanced recognition, our Superintendent, Dr. Jim Wipke, and Conway Elementary administrators, Principal Dr. Thomas Devitt, Assistant Principal Dr. Thomas Hadfield, and members of the school's staff spent the morning participating in professional learning sessions before Conway was honored during an afternoon ceremony.

Dr. Devitt also represented Conway later in the day as a panelist on the Gold Star School Panel, where he shared insights into the instructional practices, collaboration, and collective efforts that have contributed to the school’s success.

“This recognition truly belongs to our staff, students, and families,” Devitt said. “I felt so proud that the work our teachers put in every day is leading to outcomes where students are really successful.”

“Conway Elementary exemplifies what is possible when outstanding educators, engaged families, and a strong instructional vision come together,” said Ladue Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke. “This Gold Star recognition reflects sustained excellence and our district’s commitment to ensuring every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for success.”

The conference theme, “What We Do Matters: Growing Our Impact,” aligned closely with Conway’s approach to continuous improvement. Staff members engaged in learning sessions focused on leadership at all levels, collaborative culture, effective teaching practices, data-based decision-making, and alignment of standards, curriculum, and assessment.

This year marks the fourth time Conway Elementary has earned the Missouri Gold Star distinction, placing it among an elite group of schools statewide. On recent state assessments, 81 percent of Conway’s third- and fourth-grade students scored Proficient or Advanced in mathematics, while 83 percent reached that level in English Language Arts, placing the school among the top 15 percent in Missouri in both categories.

“We feel immensely proud of the Gold Star,” Devitt said. “Not because of the award itself, but because it affirms that the work we’re doing is the work that matters, and our students are the ones benefiting.”

Ladue Schools congratulates Conway Elementary on this well-earned recognition and thanks its educators, students, and families for the collective commitment that continues to make Conway a model of excellence across Missouri.