Ladue Schools continues to live out its mission of inspiring each student to become a responsible and contributing member of a global society. As part of our Strategic Plan, we are committed to implementing equity and inclusion strategies that ensure all students, staff, and families are seen, heard, and valued.

More than 65 languages are spoken in our families' homes, making Ladue Schools a colorful and diverse community full of unique cultures and traditions. 

This spring, schools across the Ladue School District came together to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of their communities through a series of engaging Passport Night and Passport Day events. These celebrations allowed students and families to share their heritage and learn about the traditions, languages, and cuisines of cultures worldwide.

Conway Elementary hosted its third annual Passport Night, turning the school into a global adventure. With 15 countries represented, the evening featured music, food, student performances, and interactive cultural displays that brought the learning to life. Spoede Elementary also celebrated its diverse community with a vibrant Passport Night filled with energy, pride, and hallway displays that highlighted family traditions from around the globe.

Reed Elementary put on an incredibly memorable event, hosting both a Passport Night and a unique Passport Parade during the school day. In this special parade, 70 students represented 30 countries, proudly wearing traditional clothing and waving flags as classmates lined the halls to cheer them on.

Old Bonhomme Elementary welcomed families and the Olivette Police Department to its own Passport Night, creating a space where students and parents shared cultural stories, food, and performances. The event served as a powerful way to build connections within the community.

Even the district’s youngest learners at the Ladue Early Childhood Center participated in their own age-appropriate Passport Day, engaging in crafts, stories, and activities that introduced them to global cultures in fun and meaningful ways.

"These events are a beautiful reflection of our district’s commitment to creating spaces where every student and family feels seen, heard, and valued. Celebrating our differences helps strengthen our community and enriches the learning experience for all," stated Dr. Jennifer Riesenmy, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator.

These school-level celebrations lead to the much-anticipated Rams Around the World event on Wednesday, April 23, from 5-7 p.m. at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, celebrating the incredible cultural diversity that defines our district. Hosted by the Ladue Student Inclusion Committee, families are invited to share their heritage through art, food, clothing, language, and music in an evening of shared experiences and global appreciation.

At Ladue Schools, diversity is not just something we celebrate—it’s something we live every day. These events recognize the diverse backgrounds of our students and families and help build stronger, more inclusive communities throughout the district. We are so grateful to our students, families, and staff for making these experiences possible and helping us build a more connected, understanding, and inclusive community.

Check out all the photos from the celebrations across Ladue Schools on our Facebook page.