Rosati-Kain Academy: A Legacy of Empowering Young Women
Rosati-Kain Academy, formerly Rosati-Kain High School, stands as a beacon of all-girls Catholic education in St. Louis, Missouri. It is the only all-girls high school in St. Louis. Located in the historic Central West End, just east of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Rosati-Kain boasts a geographically diverse student body, drawing young women from 47 zip codes throughout the metropolitan St. Louis area, including St. Louis City and St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County and even Illinois (representing 64 zip codes and 118 elementary schools). The school's rich history, commitment to service, and focus on college preparation have shaped generations of confident and capable women.
Historical Roots and Evolution
The story of Rosati-Kain Academy is one of convergence and growth. Its origins lie in two distinct educational institutions: the Rosati Center, established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and the Kain Center, run by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. These centers were named in honor of Joseph Rosati and John Joseph Kain, the first two Archbishops of St. Louis, respectively. In 1911, these two centers merged forming Rosati-Kain High School, the first Archdiocesan high school in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis.
During the early years, from 1911 to 1920, the nuns selflessly served as faculty, teaching without pay. By 1919, the school had surpassed the capacity of its original building at the St. Vincent Seminary site, located at Lucas and Grand Avenues. Consequently, the school relocated to the Hayes Mansion, situated at the corner of Lindell Boulevard and Newstead Avenue.
In 1921, the Hayes Mansion was moved to allow for the construction of a new, larger building designed by architect Henry P. Hess. This structure, completed in 1922, continues to serve as the main building for the present-day Rosati-Kain Academy. By the mid-1940s, Rosati-Kain's enrollment had surged, with over 1,000 students attending classes in two separate shifts, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Rosati-Kain became the first high school in the St. Louis area to implement this schedule.
In a turn of events, on September 28, 2022, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the Archdiocese of Saint Louis' plan to close Rosati-Kain, along with St. Mary's High School, at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. This decision was part of the archdiocese's "All Things New Plan," which involved the closure of numerous parishes and grade schools. However, in December 2022, a new chapter began as it was announced that the school would remain open as an independent institution under the new name Rosati-Kain Academy, sponsored by St. Joseph Educational Ministries (SJEM).
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Academics and College Preparation
Rosati-Kain Academy is dedicated to providing a rigorous college preparatory education for young women. Admission is based on standardized test scores and grade school records. The curriculum includes 26 college courses and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. While independent schools are not required to publicly report student learning in the same way as public district, public magnet, and public charter schools, they do assess student learning. Teaching staff with greater experience and/or advanced degrees are likely to have a strong understanding of their subject material.
The school also boasts an extended campus that includes the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and Forest Park.
Diversity and Inclusion
Rosati-Kain prides itself on being the most diverse all-girls school in the St. Louis area. Rosati-Kain Academy will provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons and administer all aspects and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran or military status or any other status protected by existing state or federal law or regulations-except for positions that fall within the ministerial exception, including employees that “play a vital part in carrying out the mission of the Church.” Equal employment opportunity includes, but is not limited to, employment, training, promotion, demotion, leaves of absence and termination.
Christian Service and Values
Rooted in its Catholic identity, Rosati-Kain emphasizes the importance of service to others. The Archdiocese of St. Louis mandates that all students in its Catholic high schools participate in works of charity and service as a graduation requirement. Rosati-Kain's Christian Service Program embodies this commitment, reflecting the school's identity in Christ and adhering to the four core values of its founding orders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
Students may meet their service requirements in a variety of ways. Service may include volunteer assistance in their home, neighborhood, school, or parish. Hours may be verified by parents or appropriate supervising persons.
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Extracurricular Activities
Rosati-Kain High School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Diving, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
Key Statistics
- Enrollment: 249 students
- Yearly Tuition: $12,875
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Average class size: 16 students
Tuition and Hidden Costs
The average private school tuition in Saint Louis, MO is $16,969 for elementary schools and $20,799 for high schools. Discover the hidden costs of private school in 2026, including fees, uniforms, and extras parents must budget for beyond tuition.
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