Lindbergh Schools
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Updated – June 11, 2024
Lindbergh Schools received a cease and desist letter from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who accused the district of using race-based data when selecting applicants for a gifted program.
In his letter to Lindbergh, Bailey stated:
“It has come to my attention that Lindbergh School District has implemented race-based criteria for students seeking to enter its Gifted Program … [S]tudents who are part of an underrepresented racial and ethnic population in the district are only required to achieve standardized test scores in the 84th percentile on one test (math or reading) and in the 50th percentile on the other before being considered for additional testing.
“The district’s policy states that its goal is to reach a 20% equity index for underrepresented student populations. If those reports are true, Lindbergh School District is discriminating on the basis of race, in direct violation of both state and federal law.”
The district’s “Inclusion, Equity and Diversity” initiative includes five pillars: “Belonging,” “Dignity,” “Inclusion,” “Equity,” and “Diversity.” The “About” page says the district “[strives] to uphold high academic standards for all students through culturally responsive classroom instruction, professional learning and sustainable relationships with our community.”
According to data from US News, Lindbergh Schools has an 81.2% white student population, 2.6% black population, and an 18.8% overall “minority enrollment” population. Although the district claims Lindbergh High School was rated “one of the top high schools in the country by US News,” all students — not just those in minority groups — are failing their foundational coursework:
Despite these dismal test scores, the school’s 4-year graduation rate was 94.66% in 2023; only 55.2% were reported to be entering a 4-year college or university.
The School Board Watchlist will continue monitoring issues in Lindbergh Schools. Please send tips, updates, and information to [email protected].
Published – December 8, 2021
Lindbergh Schools are located in St. Louis, Missouri. The district has 10 schools in operation with roughly 7,250 students enrolled.
The district has implemented a mask mandate for the entirety of the 2021-22 school year. The mandate forces all students, staff, and visitors to wear a mask when inside school buildings. The mandate is in effect regardless of vaccination status.
The district also has a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department. According to the website, “Lindbergh Schools is committed to creating and maintaining an equitable and inclusive community of belonging where all stakeholders are treated with dignity. We strive to uphold high academic standards for all students through culturally responsive classroom instruction, professional learning and sustainable relationships with our community.”
