Ladue Schools is proud to announce that Reed Elementary and Spoede Elementary have been named finalists for the inaugural Louie Awards. This new honors program, launched by the Gateway to Success Foundation in partnership with Saint Louis University’s PRiME Center, recognizes public schools in the St. Louis region that have demonstrated exceptional student growth.

Out of only 20 finalists selected across St. Louis and St. Louis County, Ladue Schools secured three finalist spots:

• Reed Elementary: Finalist for highest growth in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. The only school to be a finalist in both categories. 
• Spoede Elementary: Finalist for highest growth in Math.

"The schools being recognized as Louie Finalists are raising the bar while pointing the way for other schools to improve student performance," Mike Dierberg, co-founder of the Gateway to Success Foundation, stated in their news release.

The awards are based on the Missouri Growth Model, which tracks standardized test scores over a three-year period (2022–2025) to measure how much students are learning year over year. As finalists, both schools will receive a $5,000 award.

“We are thrilled to see the hard work of our educators and students at Reed and Spoede recognized at this level,” said Dr. Jim Wipke, Ladue Schools Superintendent. “To have two schools among the top 20 in the region speaks to the dedication our district has to placing emphasis on  student growth.”

The excitement doesn’t end with the nod as a finalist. Five winners for each subject will be announced on Friday, Feb. 20, at the St. Louis Public Library. Winners of the official "Louie" award will see their prize increased to $15,000.

Congratulations to our students, teachers, and families at Reed and Spoede for this incredible regional recognition!